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Mounds View Planning Commission August 4, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 7 ________________________________________________________________________ Director Ericson commented that for a Planning Commissioner to take a position regarding politics or policies of the administration of the City would be going above and beyond what a commissioner was appointed to do. He then reiterated that being appointed to a board or commission does not take away anyone’s right to express a personal opinion, but that there may be a more appropriate place to make those comments. Director Ericson indicated that in addition to discussing this matter, he would like consensus for direction to put language into the Bylaws for Commission review that would discuss appropriate public comment and like statements. Chair Stevenson indicated that he feels that an amendment to the Bylaws would be absolutely appropriate and he would prefer not to see commissioners and other residents using this meeting for something other than planning business. If someone did come in off the street wanting to conduct their own personal statements on items not related to planning, with something in the by-laws, he would feel more empowered to ask them to stop and direct them to the appropriate body to hear those comments. Commissioner Song indicated she agrees with Chairperson Stevenson in that it would be fair and appropriate to redirect unrelated comments otherwise the Commission could waste a lot of time hearing comments that this body is not able to deal with. Commissioner Scotch agreed with Commissioner Song and said that the Commission could listen to unrelated comments but is unable to assist or address those concerns the way Council could. She further stated that the meetings are often long and unrelated comments and personal statements would make the meetings unnecessarily longer. Commissioner Miller said she agrees that it would be helpful to have something in the Bylaws that relates to the purpose of the Commission and comments that could or should be made and in what setting. Commissioner Zwirn asked whether, as it stands right now with regards to items not on the agenda, his taking advantage of that or if he was in violation of anything written into bylaws or codes or anything at this point. He then said that his comments were restricted to within a three to five minute period as suggested by general rule. Director Ericson indicated that there is nothing in writing right now and the Commission usually does not limit time for comments. Commissioner Zwirn asked if Mr. Ericson, while generating his Staff report on free speech and suggesting restricting citizen requests and comments, was soliciting opinions from people within the City as to whether or not he should be terminated. Director Ericson said, “not at all” and then said that some members of the City Council had in fact suggested he be removed from office.