Keep control of meetings; follow protocol and, behave!

Over the years, decades in fact, I have attended hundreds of city council, city commission, village and township meetings.

They’ve all had their share of contentious moments. Unfortunately, some of those meetings have had the wheels fall off and control of a meeting is lost by various chairmen.

I’ve seen it first hand, in Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac and Huron counties. Although there is an agenda, somehow, some way, control of some meetings fall off the track.

While I was not in attendance at a recent Goodland Twp. meeting in April, when a majority of the meeting turned in to a hotly debated issue with the historical schoolhouse, I have heard multiple accounts and it’s disturbing.

And, unfortunately, it fits the mold of other meetings I have attended. The responsibility of self-control and acting civil falls on everyone, in my opinion.

Those attending a meeting have a duty to sit quietly, observe, listen and act appropriately. Visitors typically have their allotted three to five minutes to share their thoughts during “Public Comment” time. Some municipalities allow two Public Comment times, which guests largely appreciate.

In my opinion, too many times, wanting to interject their thoughts on given topics, the public will just start speaking out loud, with no regard for meeting procedures.

They feel they are justified in bringing up a particular topic, or worse, sharing their “two cents worth” on a blight issue, or budget matter, whatever the case is.

That is when the gavel should fall, in my opinion. The Chairman/woman of any meeting should not be afraid to bang the gavel and restore order.

If you don’t, you run the risk of losing control of a meeting, as has happened far too often.

This column is not about Goodland Twp. They are just the most recent example.

It has happened in Brockway Twp., near Yale. It has happened at Yale city council meetings. It has happened at Imlay City commission meetings, Almont Twp. meetings. You get the idea.

Does the public have the right to be heard? Absolutely. They are the ones who voted for the board, in most cases. They have a right to share their thoughts and ideas.

Do they have the right to disrupt a meeting to the point of blurting out their thoughts any time they want? Absolutely NOT!

That’s why the little wooden hammer is lying on the table within reach of the Supervisor, Council President, Mayor, whomever.

Use it! In my opinion, it would help move the meeting along, keeping order between guests and board members.
Business will get done. Members will share their ideas and make decisions and the meeting can be over and done with within an hour or so.

Are there special circumstances where meetings might last longer? Absolutely. Development presentations, budget hearings, ordinance adjustments, just to name a few examples of where it may take longer.

Every topic a board, or commission, or council has on their agenda is not up for public discussion or debate before a vote is taken. That’s just not how it works.

I just hope everyone can try to be a little nicer. More cooperative. And, it goes both ways.

Before you call me and ask what I base these thoughts on, let me share. I have served on a school board, church board and city council. They have all had meetings that were “spirited.” Yes, even the church.

Guests at meetings need to be respectful, yet speak their minds.

Likewise, those serving their communities need to keep control of their meetings. Not get in debate back and forth with the public.

Listen to your constituents, follow your protocols and make informed decisions.

Meeting adjourned.

Contact Dave at dave@tri-citytimes.com