Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 19, 1991 TAG: 9102190231
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER/ NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
"Maybe I'm prejudiced, but I think that thing is aimed at the Concerned Citizens," J.B. Warner said Monday. "That's my opinion."
The provisions that upset Warner are part of the overall rules and procedures on how council will conduct its meetings, when they will be held, what the general agenda will be, council protocol and committees.
The 8-page recommendation will be considered as part of the ordinance committee's report. Council could adopt it tonight.
The part about citizens addressing council, slightly less than a page, would impose a 5-minute time limit on presentations unless the presiding council officer grants more time. A person would be recognized only once during the public comment session.
Anyone making "personal, impertinent or slanderous remarks" or becoming unruly can be removed by the sergeant-at-arms - either the police chief or a department member designated by the chief - if the presiding officer so orders.
The person also could be barred from a further appearance before council.
"They can have my rear end ejected from council, take me out front and cut off all my buttons and not let me back in," Warner said. "That's not right."
Speakers at council meeting also could be required to present proof if they claim to be speaking for any public group. They also would have to register as a speaker before the meeting and indicate the general subject to be discussed.
In a news release about the proposed rules and procedures, Mayor Gary Hancock said he was encouraged because hearing from the public is one of the most important parts of any council meeting.
"The proposed rules enable citizens to constructively participate in all public meetings of the council, while also enabling the presiding officer to ensure that the meetings of council are conducted in an orderly and effective manner," he said.
Concerned Citizens was formed nearly three years ago to oppose a shopping center on Memorial Drive. The group failed to block the shopping center, but Warner and some other members have been before council on other issues, often leading to lively debates.
"We have not been abusive . . . We have been very well behaved," Warner said. "People coming before council are supposed to be upset a little bit. They wouldn't be coming before council if they didn't have a grievance."
He said he and other members of the group would be urging others to come to the council meeting tonight to oppose the proposed new rules.
by CNB