Hi Erin: I have found a couple of websites with useful information n managing disruptive or contentious public comments: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/practical-measures-to-de-stress-a-contentious-... (this is an MSU Extension article) https://jurassicparliament.com/guidelines-public-comment/ (Jurassic parliament is a company that works with boards and municipalities) https://jurassicparliament.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Guidelines-for-Pub... (This is a good overall guide for public comment - but you will need to factor in Michigan's Open Meetings Act where relevant (such as you can't limit overall time for public comment)) http://www.mml.org/resources/publications/one_pagers/x%20FS%20OMA%20-%20Def%... (This is a guide to the OMA from the Michigan Municipal League It has an interesting section on public comment). https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/OMA_handbook_287134_7.pdf (This is the OMA Handbook by the Michigan Attorney General's office - see page 13-14 for public comment information) I hope this is helpful! Sincerely Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. You have the power to shape your future, and the future of all children, by counting everyone in your home in the 2020 Census<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmy2020census.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C228de169937142b1174208d80ca949e7%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637273268619909706&sdata=My24jpXjxu%2BI4cMZT%2BjJO5CH31Elu6Ut8wT5rcfrSaQ%3D&reserved=0>. [A close up of a sign Description automatically generated] From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Erin Schmandt via Michlib-l Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 11:08 AM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Best Practices for Responding to Public Comments CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov<mailto:abuse@michigan.gov> Does anyone have a resource that I can provide to my library board on the best way to handle public comments at a board meeting? We are heading into some potentially contentious ones. Erin N. Schmandt Director Caro Area District Library 840 W. Frank Street Caro, MI 48723 (989) 673-4329 x102 [Caro-Area-District-Library-Logo]
