Lacey updates Advisory Board Handbook addressing public comment policy

In response to recent disruptions in public meetings, Lacey updated its Advisory Board Handbook to improve public comment procedures and meeting protocols.

The changes, outlined by Lacey Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong, aim to streamline processes and provide clear guidelines for handling disruptions and controversial speech.

During a briefing to the Planning Commission on September 11, Kelley-Fong explained the need for the handbook update, citing a recent incident where a meeting of the Commission on Equity was targeted by Zoom-bombers who engaged in “hateful speech.”

“This incident prompted us to review our public comment procedures and the tools we provide to our Advisory Board members, presiding officers, and city council,” Kelley-Fong said. “We want everyone to be as prepared as possible to manage these circumstances.”

The updated handbook, which Lacey City Council adopted through resolution number 1151, includes several key changes. It now features streamlined content and additional sections on public comments, public hearings, and meeting disruptions.

New tools introduced in the handbook include a public comment script and guidelines for responding to comments deemed “problematic” and dealing with meeting disruptions.

Public comment procedures have been standardized across all advisory boards.

Comments can be made in person by those who sign up in advance or remotely, with remote comments needing to be registered, and written comments submitted two hours before the meeting.

Public comment time is limited to three minutes per speaker, with a total public comment period of 30 minutes, extendable if necessary. Commenters must provide their name, city of residence, or connection to the city, and a brief statement of their topic.

The updated policies supposedly emphasize adherence to the First Amendment while providing guidelines for addressing what might be labeled as “hate speech” and “hate crime offenses.”

While so-called “hate speech” remains protected, the handbook includes tools for managing such content. Hate crimes, which involve threatening actions and the capability to carry out threats, are handled separately.

The revised handbook also includes information on the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, and government training.