15-Minute sign-up rule to speak at FBCC meetings

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

July 9, 2015 8:02 a.m.

If you don’t sign up to speak before 15 minutes of a Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting have elapsed, you will not be able to speak at the meeting. That’s the word from the FBCC and its attorney Tammi Bach, who keeps track of the rules the FBCC makes for conduct of its meetings.

The rule, which has been on the books for three years and which also appears on each meeting’s printed agenda, has been largely ignored by recent commissions. But during a workshop on July 7, 2015, consensus was to uphold the rule going forward. Commissioners asked City Clerk Caroline Best to post a notice to that effect at the chamber entrance and on the city website.

Mayor Ed Boner was the only commissioner to express discomfort with the rule. But other commissioners reminded him that commissioners can always call upon citizens to speak, should the need arise.

Phil Chapman:  Citizens should be able to address their government without forms.

Local resident Phil Chapman objected to having to fill out a form to speak. Citing his experience in Massachusetts in Town Meetings, he said that any person should be able to be recognized at any time for any concern by standing up and seeking recognition. He said that the phrase “freedom for all” includes freedom of expression, meaning that citizens can address their government without the need for forms.

Former Mayor and Commissioner Ron Sapp: "It's your meeting. Don't be afraid to use the gavel."

Former mayor and commissioner Ron Sapp advised the commission, “Never forget that this is your meeting. It is not a Town Hall meeting. Don’t be afraid to use the gavel.”

Commissioner Robin Lentz reminded the audience and commissioners, “We are all available to hear people.”  Lentz added that people can sign up in advance of a meeting by notifying the clerk electronically.

Attorney Tammi Bach advised commissioners that they set rules of procedure for meetings. She also reminded them that while they generally follow Robert’s Rules of Procedure, they have modified some of the rules and may continue to do so. She said that if on occasion they choose to deviate from a standing rule, that does not mean that the FBCC has waived the rule.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.