The writer questions new rules for public participation at council meetings
On April 12, the Council of Township of Washington passed resolution 130–2017 setting rules for the public portions of the council meetings. The resolution was explained by the solicitor. The rules established, during the open or public participation portion of the council meeting, questions posed by residents are admitted and responses are held until the last questions are asked. The solicitor announced he, as parliamentarian, would receive the questions and provide the responses, which were held until the last questions or comments were posed by the public. Anyone who did not agree or feel their question or comment was answered was left feeling they had been patronized by someone who is not an elected town council member.
It was notable that the April 12 meeting was overwhelmingly conducted under the voice of Solicitor Stuart Platt. Why is an attorney from outside the township assuming the seat of parliamentarian? Was the solicitor hired to run the meetings? Roberts Rules state a parliamentarian can provide and assist the presiding officer and secretary with their duties by answering questions on procedure. Per Robert’s Rules of Order, assist and ensure members’ rights are protected, and help meetings run smoothly. Our township meetings are conducted under Roberts Rules. Roberts does not empower the solicitor, the assigned parliamentarian, to control the meeting other than to advise members regarding rules, advice, but be limited to answering the questions posed by the public.
A question was asked if this resolution was the recommendation Platt. Council responded that it was their resolution. It would require a long and in-depth study with sworn testimonies to convince this resident this is absolute fact. Concerns heard about town are why did we have an election?
Jack Scheidell
