TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 7, 2010
COMMITTEE ON STATE LEGISLATION AND RULES
The Honorable Terrence J. O'Brien, President and Members of the Board of Commissioners
Title
Authority to amend Section 5.25 of the Rules of the Board of Commissioners in accordance with the Open Meetings Act Amendment, PA 96-1473
Body
Dear Commissioners:
The Open Meetings Act has been amended by PA 96-1473 to require that any person be afforded an opportunity to address public officials under rules established and recorded by the public body. This Amendment becomes effective January 1, 2011.
Section 5.25 of the Rules of the Board of Commissioners, among other things, presently provides that "It is within the presiding officer's discretion whether or not to allow members of the public to speak." The Rule further states "...If a request to speak is grantedÂ…" This language should be replaced with language that provides that "Any person shall have the opportunity to address the Board of Commissioners in accordance with the terms of these Rules. Once that person is recognized to speak by the President of the Board of Commissioners or other presiding officer, the speaker shall have up to three minutes to speak..." The effects of the proposed changes are shown in the attachment to this letter.
Accordingly, it is recommended that Section 5.25 of the Rules of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago be amended in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 5.25 - Limit on Public Speakers
"Any person desiring to speak at a meeting of the Board or its committees shall submit a written Speaker's Request form setting forth his/her name, address and the organization he/she represents, if any, and a description of the topic he/she wishes to discuss to the District's Public Affairs Manager or her/his designee located near the entrance inside the Board Room. Any person shall have the opportunity to address the Board of Commissioners in accordance with the terms of these Rules. Once that person is recognized to speak by the President of the Board of Commissioners or other presiding officer, the speaker shall have up to three minutes to speak unless more or less time is allowed by the presiding officer. Members of the public may request permission from the presiding officer to speak on any subject relevant to the business of the Board of Commissioners. The presiding officer may rescind such permission instanter where the speaker is determined by the presiding officer to be disruptive or otherwise acting in a manner which unreasonably prevents or interferes with the orderly conduct of the business of the Board of Commissioners."
Recommended, Richard Lanyon, Executive Director, RL:jvs
Respectfully Submitted, Debra Shore, Chairman Committee State Legislation and Rules
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for October 7, 2010
Attachment