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February 20, 2006 - Regular Meeting Page 506 modifications, call for a very restrictive period of informal public comment at the board meeting. As time allotted for this discussion absurd in the short amount of granting more time for speakers. it currently stands I the period of is limited to 15 minutes, which is time, or lack of flexibility in 2. As board chair, I have the responsibility to ensure that our meetings are conducted in a manner that is representative of the values and attitudes of the citizens of Cabarrus County. Public input at our meetings should be defined by a sense of fairness and civil decorum I while at the same ensuring that those speaking do not have their right to petition their government infringed upon, or their free speech restricted. 3. I am proposing to the board changes I and formal adoption of, a six pronged strategy for ensuring the public has full access to their elected leaders: a. Public Hearings. These will be conducted when required by NC Law. Unless the board votes to suspend the rules, speakers at these Public Hearings will be governed by the same rules as for informal public comment. (No Board Action Necessary) b. Direct Communication. Citizens are always encouraged to contact one or more commissioners directly, either by letter, email, or telephone. In addition, any citizen can schedule a meeting with any commissioner, or group of commissioners, or the county manager, as long as a quorum is not present. It will be the responsibility of the Board Clerk to maintain current contact information on the website for each commissioner. (No Board Action Necessary) c. Chairman's Public Input Forum. Beginning in March, following the agenda work session meeting, I will remain in the county building, where I will entertain input from citizens concerning issues or complaints. In addition to myselfl I will be asking for a member of staff to be present to take notes and to ensure issues are addressed that are raised. This will be a very informal time, with snacks and beverages being provided. d. Written Materials Distribution. It is not fair for citizens who attend the board of commissioners meeting to be involuntarily solicited for support for a particular candidate or political position through the involuntary mass distribution of printed handbills, campaign materials, or other written materials in these chambers. Individuals or groups desiring to make available materials concerning a particular position on an issue may personally offer the items to individuals at the door to the commissioners meeting chambers, or are free to place such materials on a provided table on the mezzanine outside the meeting room. Any such materials distributed should have contact information on each piece, to include name and address, and telephone or email address. The group or individual is also responsible for collecting all excess materials prior to leaving the meeting. Any excess materials left will be discarded. A copy of this paragraph will be posted on each entry door to the meeting chambers I as well as on the door leading to the Multipurpose Room. e. Informal Public Comment. Each monthly business meeting of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners will include a period during the meeting, and approved as part of the agenda for informal public comment. The period of informal public comment will normally by held after any public recognitions, and prior to the introduction of any old or new business agenda items on the agenda. In order to ensure that the board had adequate time to conduct the business before it, the period of informal public comment will be subject to a 30 minute time limitl with the ability to extend, based on a vote of the board, for additional 30 minutes periods up to 90 minutes total. It is the intent of this public comment period to provide members of the public to petition their Board of Commissioners on specific issues of concern. Groups are encouraged to send one speaker to the podium to address their concerns I and citizens are always welcome to