Lillian Hayes told the Utah County Commission that she wanted a chance to talk to them in front of the public, and commissioners listened.
Wednesday, commissioners agreed to set time aside at the end of every commission meeting for residents like Hayes who want to address them on issues not listed on the agenda."It just proves that the public does have a right to express their opinion and sometimes we make the changes they ask us to make," Commissioner Malcolm Beck said.
About a year ago the commission did away with the public comment period because the time was used mainly by a few residents who persistently discussed the same issues. Many of the discussions got personal and did not involve county business. To eliminate personal attacks and to allow those with opposing views the chance to respond, commissioners decided that all discussion items must be placed on the official agenda.
"We need to balance the public's right to know and at the same time protect our ability to take care of county business," Commissioner Gary Herbert said.
About a month ago Hayes came to a commission meeting to ask commissioners about their position on development around Utah Lake State Park, but was dismayed when she found no public comment was allowed on issues not on the agenda. Hayes was allowed to ask her question and commissioners gave a brief response, but they said the issue would have to be placed on the agenda before any more discussion on the matter.
Anyone wanting to discuss an issue that may concern county residents can have it placed on the agenda, commissioners said. They're also available almost daily during normal office hours to meet with residents.
"Our offices are always open and we are accessible to our citizens on a daily basis," Commission Chairman Richard Johnson said.
However, Hayes told commissioners Monday that even though they are accessible, it is important for residents to have an opportunity to discuss issues in a forum witnessed by the public. Most government agencies allow open comment at meetings, she said.
Herbert said officials from many counties and cities allow the public to comment on any issue at meetings because the officials serve on a part-time basis and the meetings are the only times they're accessible.
"We're a lot more accessible than counties and cities that operate on a part-time basis," he said.
Commissioners agreed with Hayes' point that allowing residents to address them in front of the public is important, as long as residents keep their comments short and don't use the time to make personal attacks. Commissioners voted to have a 15-minute open discussion period at the end of each meeting and to limit each resident's comments to five minutes. If an issue generates a lot of interest and discussion will exceed the 15-minute time limit, the matter will be placed on the regular agenda.