During Wednesday's workshop for the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners, a vote was held to change the policy on how public comments are made during public meetings.
Prior to Wednesday's workshop, a Schuylkill County Commissioners Meeting worked the same as most other public meetings where the public was allowed to speak twice during the meeting. First, at the beginning to talk about agenda items, and the second to speak freely on any other public matter.
Last week, for the regular meeting that was held on October 14th, 2020, an agenda item raised some red flags when under the Solicitor's office items, an update to the public comment policy was being proposed.
Under the proposed policy, those attending the meeting virtually through Zoom would now be required to submit their comments a day prior by 3:00pm, and those comments would than be approved or denied, and then, if approved, a hard copy of the comment would be read at the meeting. The full policy is below.
During last week's meeting, after a motion was made to vote, Commissioner George Halcovage made an additional motion to table the item.
Fast forward a week to the workshop, the agenda item was back for a motion to be agreed upon.
Commissioner Baron Hetherington made the motion which Commissioner Halcovage seconded. Prior to the vote, all three Commissioners made their own comments on adopting the policy.
"I also want to hear the advice of the people, whether its good or bad, because the people as a public official, you are out there and they are the stakeholders. I do agree with some of these things like decorum, this is a professional setting. To call names is not good. If someone wants to come out and state their point that's fine.
Treating those that are here at the meeting different to those that are not [connected virtually] is not good. If comments are submitted, I want to read them in their entirety, whether it's about me or not. The people's voice means a lot to me. I respect their vote.
A public servant works is suppose to work for the people. Sometimes you have to take the criticism and ridicule. You take the advice and you go correct it. With the way this policy is written, I believe in my heart, I cannot approve this. We need to hear from the people and the direction the county wants to go." said Commissioner Hess.
Next, Commissioner Halcovage made a comment "It's the right of the chair to decide how to run a meeting. It is the chair's preference from that standpoint. I know Commissioner Hetherington put a lot of time into other counties to see how they handle situations. I respect his position as chairman, as my position was respected."
Lastly, Commissioner Hetherington spoke "I agree with Commissioner Hess on Freedom of Speech and First Amendment rights. I spoke with Commissioner Hess and we felt that we should table it and think about it some more. I encourage public comment. We need to hear from every municipality of the county. With that said, I will no longer tolerate name calling, false accusations to my fellow Commissioners, slander, and personal attacks."
Commissioner Hetherington said this is a similar policy that Berks County has been using for several months.
Before a final motion was made, Commissioner Hess made one final comment in regards to being opposed to not answering questions when the public asks.
"When they ask questions, I would hope we could at least say we will get back to them after the meeting. We are getting questions and they are not getting answers." Commissioner Hess said.
After making their comments, a vote was held where the policy passed with Commissioner Hetherington and Commissioner Halcovage voting for and Commissioner Hess voted against.
During Wednesday's workshop for the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners, a vote was held to change the policy on how public comments are made during public meetings.