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-public-hearing (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-Public-Comment.pdf
(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%20and%20Requirements%20%20Plus.pdf
(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
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.
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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
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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
