County Commissioners Limit Public Comment During Meetings

DULUTH, Minn. — At its December meeting St. Louis County Commissioners voted to change their rules…moving the public comment period to before the meeting starts and limiting it to 30 minutes.

Commissioner Annie Harala said the move will provide a time certain slot for contractors and business owners to appear before the board.

“We can ensure folks that are traveling to each of these meetings both have time with the public and time to do our business and ensure we have contractors that come through, department heads and other pieces that they know the time to expect to come to meetings. ”

But Commissioner Ashley Grimm said it was wrong to limit the public voice.

“My main concern is that I think it is really important no matter what the public has this forum guaranteed as a right for as long as they need. And part of that is because this is the one way that the public has to really tell us when we are doing something wrong.”

If there are more comments beyond the allotted half hour, citizens will have to wait until the Commissioner’s business is concluded, and speak at the end of the meeting.

Commissioner Boyle said, ” It is concerning that it could be 2 to 3 hours if we go over the 30 minute time that citizens have to wait.”

“We’ve had meetings done at 2, 3 o’clock. So to say that someone has to sit here from 930am and wait until an unknown time to have their voice heard if they feel like there is an egregious error the board has made, that’s actually no ensuring their right to speak.” agreed Grimm.

Commissioner Paul McDonald said the Hennepin County Board has found the model a success. He believes it doesn’t take away engagement or discussion.

” It’s very productive use of everybody’s time. It will give the opportunity for frank discussion with the public and commissioners as we move forward and then run a business meeting which is on time.”

But Commissioner Boyle says Hennepin County is different than St. Louis County.

Melissa Bell, with the citizen led group Friends of Fredenberg and frequent speaker during the public comment period, also shared her concerns.

“This vote is to ensure the minimum number of people hear our voices. It is okay to disagree with somebody, but it is not okay to silence somebody.”

The change does not specify that staff, or the Commissioners themselves be required to attend. Grimm wonders who will show up.

” Personally I’m concerned that Commissioners may not be here for public comment. That some commissioners would come in right at 10 o’clock.”

The final was 5 – 2 to make the change which went into effect at the January 2nd meeting.