Findlay Council Mulls Banning Public Comment

BY PATTY KLEIN

FINDLAY - A group of about 30 residents filled a conference room in Findlay City Hall Wednesday, March 13. Residents were there to observe an ad hoc committee meeting requested by eight of ten city council members. The committee was formed to change the rules of public oral comment during a city council meeting.

Three council members were appointed to the committee, Dennis Hellman, Dan DeArment and Chair, Josh Palmer. DeArment and Palmer were present at the meeting with Hellman arriving 30 minutes late to the 45 minute meeting.

There was some tense chatter from residents prior to the meeting resulting from the city stationing two armed police officers in the meeting room. One resident commented that he wondered if they were there to intimidate concerned residents. Although the meeting was expected to have contentious discussion, it did not happen. The public was barred from speaking at this meeting about public input.

The residents in attendance gathered because they are concerned that any changes to city council rules will limit the public’s first amendment right to free speech. Assistant Law Director, Rob Feighner opened the meeting citing a recent court case, Drake v. Stenehjem, where a judge determined that public comment was not a required part of a city council meeting. City council meetings are considered a limited public forum and while the public is not limited on Public Square, speech can be limited during a city council business meeting. Feighner told committee members and residents in attendance that although they do not need to include oral communication in their rules, few cities do not include a time for the public to speak. Feighner gave examples of changes that could be implemented such as time limits on speakers, number of speakers, and where the public comment falls within the meeting.

Next, Councilman Dan DeArment presented his suggestions to improve public comment. Among his suggestions were allowing the public to speak on a topic while council was speaking on a topic on the agenda. He suggested moving non- agenda items to the end of the meeting.

The ad hoc committee meeting ended scheduling the next ad hoc meeting for March 25 at 4:00pm.