County Leadership Changes!
Over the next 13+ months Essex County will undergo major changes in government leadership.
The recent retirement of County Administrator David Whitlow will be filled on an interim basis while a search for a new Chief Administrative Officer is conducted. The Superintendent of Schools, who received an early contract extension and a pay raise, just announced the he was resigning on or before December 17, 2012. The School Board announced that they must employ a new Superintendent within 180 days and the search process is underway.
The School Board will hold a public meeting on Monday 24 September at 7:00 PM in the School Board Complex to discuss the search and transition process. ESO urges all registered voters, especially our teachers, to attend the meeting.
The Board of Supervisors appointed Bill Pennel, retired County Administrator of Lancaster County, as the Interim County Administrator. Mr. Pennel had a distinguished record of accomplishments in Lancaster County.
There are also a number of rumors about who will or won't run for the Board of Supervisors and the School Board in 2013. Our Essex County General Registrar Larnie Flannagan confirmed both the North District and the Greater Tappahannock will be on the 2013 Ballot for both boards as will the At Large Seat for the School Board.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Tie-Breaker Needed?
Oz Bell recently contacted ESO to point out that with a four person Board of Supervisors, there is no means to resolve a tie. There have been occasions when the the Board split 2 to 2 thereby causing the motion to fail. (In keeping with ESO policy, Mrs. Bell permitted her name to be published.)
The Code of Virginia, 15.2-1421, provides for the election of a tie-breaker as an at-large position who would only vote in the event of a tie. It appears that the Board of Supervisors would have to initiate the establishment of a Tie-Breaker elected position.
There are several questions that would have to be researched. Does the General Assembly have to enact legislation to permit Essex County to establish the position? Would the position be compensated? What amount? Do the voters in Essex County want to establish a new position?
Let ESO know your opinion. More importantly, contact the Supervisor for your district and let them know your opinion.
John Clickener
Oz Bell recently contacted ESO to point out that with a four person Board of Supervisors, there is no means to resolve a tie. There have been occasions when the the Board split 2 to 2 thereby causing the motion to fail. (In keeping with ESO policy, Mrs. Bell permitted her name to be published.)
The Code of Virginia, 15.2-1421, provides for the election of a tie-breaker as an at-large position who would only vote in the event of a tie. It appears that the Board of Supervisors would have to initiate the establishment of a Tie-Breaker elected position.
There are several questions that would have to be researched. Does the General Assembly have to enact legislation to permit Essex County to establish the position? Would the position be compensated? What amount? Do the voters in Essex County want to establish a new position?
Let ESO know your opinion. More importantly, contact the Supervisor for your district and let them know your opinion.
John Clickener
Teacher and Staff Turnover Examined
Several people have contacted ESO with questions about
the turnover in teachers and staff within Essex County Public Schools. To determine the facts, ESO issued a Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA) Request to the Superintended and President of the
School Board. We asked for 5 years data
in three major categories: Teachers and Aides, Supervisory Staff, and Central
Office Staff.
The original estimate for research and copying was 2
hours. However, the research,
compilation of data, and copying took 7 hours.
Apparently the Human Resources Management function within the School
System does not have a searchable data base.
Responding to ESO’s FOIA request required an employee to review manual
records to determine personnel losses and the reasons for leaving the School
System.
 | ||||||
Taxpayers, ESO reimbursed the School System for the
actual billed hours. While this
information should be readily available, we don’t believe that the taxpayers
should have to pay for an opportunity to review the facts.
We leave the interpretation you, our readers. Clearly there was an exceptional turnover
during the 2007 to 2008 School Year. The
turnover in both 2010 to 2011 and 2011 to 2012 appears to be high.
We would welcome comments for both current Public School
employees and retirees/former employees regarding the number reported about and
the underlying reasons for the periods of high turnover. If you wish to remain anonymous, ESO WILL NOT disclose your name or contact
information. Please remember that you
can be a part of our effort bring Sunshine into Essex County but sharing
information and asking questions.
John Clickener
Sunday, August 26, 2012
THE ELECTION IS COMING! THE ELECTION IS COMING!
Are you ready to cast your vote on November 6, 2012? Here is a short list to get you ready.
Are you going away for vacation, school or business? Do you or someone you know serve in the Military? Does your work commute keep you on the road from sun up to
sun down? Are you disabled or have an illness that make waiting at the Polls more than you can bear? Are you a first responder with the Police, Fire Department or Rescue Squad? Maybe you're expecting a baby or just planning to work at the Polls on Election Day?
These are just a few of the reasons you may vote an Absentee Ballot at the Registrar's Office beginning September 21, 2012. Absentee voting will continue Monday through Friday from 8:30 until 4:30 until November 2. On the last two Saturdays before the Election, October 27 and November 3, the Registrar's Office will be open from 9 to 5.
Have you checked with Voter Registration to see that your address is correct? How about the old Post Office Box? Do you still have it, or not? We need to know so your new Voter Card, mandated by the Governor, can get to you by the end of September.
Are you registered to vote? If not, you have until October 15, 2012 at 5 o'clock. Can't get to the Registrar's Office to pick up a form? Then download one. Google: VA Voter Registration Application. Complete it and mail to PO Box 1561, Tappahannock, VA 22560 for Essex County. If you are in a nearby County, the mailing address for your Registrar will be listed with the form download.
Have you heard the rumors about what you will need at the Polls? Never fear! That information will be coming to you on TV, in the Newspapers and from my office. If you still have questions, call me at 804-443-4611 in Essex or look in the telephone book under the name of your County and go down to Voter Registration. The Virginia State Board of Elections in Richmond will also answer your questions. Call them at 1-800552-9745.
This is an exciting time of Year! Listen carefully! Ask questions! Choose wisely! Then come out on November 6, 2012 to cast your vote. The Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Larnie M. Flannagan 443-4611
General Registrar
Essex County
ESO thanks our General Registrar for this essential information. In our opinion effecient and effective government depends upon active and concerned citizens (the famous "Grass Roots" at elections). It is the right of each elibible citizen to vote.
Some of us believe that it is a patriotic obligation. owed to the service men and women who have sacrificed to create our nation and protect our right to vote, TO VOTE. We hope that you share that belief.
If you are not registered you have until October 15 to register.
If you are not certain you are registered, please call Ms. Flannagan before Octob 15.
If you are registered, or as soon as you are, PLEASE make sure that you VOTE! Voting is patriotic!
If you are not able to get to the polls on 6 November, PLEASE vote by absentee ballot as described above.
If you are able to go to the polls, PLEASE vote in person.
Lastly, please encourage all of those eligible in your family and among your friends to register and VOTE!
John R. Clickener
ESO relinquishes all copyright claim to the above posting and encourages the distribution of the text.
Monday, August 20, 2012
VIRGINIA WATCHDOG REPORTS ON ESO EFFORTS
17 August – Interview by reporter Katie Watson published in the Virginia Watchdog
VA: Essex County residents take government transparency into their own hands
By Kathryn Watson | Virginia Watchdog Summary: The interview briefly examines the creation of EssexSunshine.Org and use of a website to provide public access to public information. Brief mention is made of progress and the hope for the public to become more active.
ALEXANDRIA - Essex officials won't be keeping any more secrets.
They've started essexcountysunshine.org.
Together, the half dozen or so contributors ....
The full article is available at the following LINK http://watchdog.org/50152/essex-county-citizens-take-government-transparency-into-their-own-hands/
Retired County Administrator Comments about Transparency
16 August – To ESO by e-mail
Several years ago, Mathews County began an effort to provide more public information and to increase transparency for the benefit of the citizens. At first, it was uncomfortable for county staff and officials. Now we celebrate our annual A+ transparency rating from the Sunshine Review and actually enjoy preempting investigating reporters by posting all information online before they can even ask for it. Online you can find our employee salaries, monthly accounts payable, and job postings. It has freed staff up from constantly answering questions about the county government . . . we direct citizens to our website.
Steve Whiteway
Retired Mathews County Administrator
ESO IN THE NORTHERN NECK NEWS
14 August – Interview by Reporter Diane Saison published in the Northern Neck News. Summary: The interview examines the purpose of EssexSunshine.Org, it's goals, and the evaluation of the Government and School web sites openness and transparency by a national open government organization. The interview explores the Virginia Open Meeting Act and the Freedom of Information Act and the some of the major areas which need improvement. Also discussed is the importance of citizen involvement both in elections and in governance.
Watchdog website holds Essex County officials accountable
Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 4:59 pm
For years, watchdog agencies have rated Essex County poorly for their lack of sharing policy, procedural and public documents.
But in the past few months, a small band of concerned residents have joined together to break down political walls and shed light on their local government.
And together they are doing it in the most public way possible, through their new website essexsunshine.org.
At the center of it all is one of the original founders and current publisher, John Clickener, who started putting the site together this spring with the help of like-minded citizens in hopes that local officials would be forced to face their deficiencies and enact change.
The full article is available at http://www.northernnecknews.com/?p=4427
THE ESSEX COUNTY CONTRACTS
Contracts are required to be accessable to the public by Virginia Law. One of the areas evaluated by Sunshine Review (2) in rating both County Government
County Administrator's Contract:
Original Superintendent's Contract:
Please note that the documents are civil contracts NOT ordinances. Claims have been made that the non-fulfillment of the portion of the County Administrators
An appropriate question would be whether the Board of Supervisors agreed to either amend or waive any aspect of the contract. The County Administrator 30 September 2012 , an at will employee subject to termination of employment at any time for any reason. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the Board of Supervisors, by continuing to employ the County Administrator
John R. Clickener
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Who Does The Deputy County Administrator Work For?
The Board touched on the issue of who the Deputy County Administrator reports to at a recent Board meeting when they discussed the draft County Personnel County Administrator
Although the Board initially appeared to agree, it suddenly went into closed session regarding that issue. When they returned to open session it was announced that more work would be done on the organization chart. The minutes of that meeting are not posted on the County Government
Why was the topic of the County Organization Chart discussed in a closed meeting? The Essex County Government organization chart does not appear to be an authorized exemption from the Virginia "Open Meeting Law", specifically § 2.2-3712 et al.
Directly regarding the position of the formerly titled Assistant County Administrator, recently changed to the Deputy County Administrator, there are a number of questions that SHOULD be answered by the Board of Supervisors:
Why was the position title changed?
When was the position title changed?
Were the salary and benefits changed? If so, were they included in the 2012-2013 Budget?
Why was the position of Assistant and the now Deputy County Administrator an appointment by the Board of Supervisors?
When was the original appointment as Assistant County Administrator first made?
Why does the Board of Supervisors, a legislative and policy body, supervise an operational and administrative position subordinate to the County Administrator
Is there any precedence in any other Virginia
Is the appointment of either an Assistant County Administrator or Deputy County Administrator authorized by the Code of Virginia?
Doesn't the appointment of the Deputy County Administrator conflict with the Code of Virginia
Doesn't Section § 15.2-1540, subparagraph 7 specifically state that the County Administrator
Is there a contract for the position? After all, it is an appointment!
What is the term of the contract? One year? Three years? Life?
Who does the position report to? It appears that the position reports to and works for the Board of Supervisors rather than the County Administrator
Have annual performance reviews been prepared annually since the date the position was first filled?
Who wrote the performance reviews for the Assistant County Administrator in the past?
Who is now responsible for writing the performance reviews for the Deputy County Administrator Position?
Open Government and transparency are better served when sunshine illuminates the staffing policies and procedures of the Essex County Government and all the questions are answered.
John R. Clickener
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Where are the County Ordinances?
The ESO news and commentary post of 27 June fulfilled our promise to provide comparative evaluation data for the Web Sites in the nearby counties. We stated that the Board of Supervisors web site is missing many documents, publications, etc. A very short list of some essential missing information was included in that blog.
One of the most important "missing" items is the Publication containing the entire Code of County Ordinances. I started my search at the Essex County Library. They did not have a copy. The helpful staff at our County Administrators Office allowed me read what may be one of the few (?) or only (?) complete copies of the Code of Essex County Ordinances. Perhaps the Constitutional Officers and the Clerks of the Counts may have copies. I have not checked with each of those individuals.
It's not surprising that the Commonwealth of Virginia has published the Code of Virginia (Laws of the Commonwealth) as a searchable online database. What is remarkable, and the Mayor, Town Council, and the staff of the Town of Tappahannock deserve full credit for transparency and open government, is the Town Code of Ordinances are published online at
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=12438. or there is a link from the Town web site.
It's easy to navigate and fully accessible to the public.
The Code of County Ordinances, along with the Board Agendas and the Board Minutes already exist as printed documents. Future agendas and minutes will undoubtedly be prepared as digital documents which can then be easily uploaded. Any new Ordinances, or changes to existing ordinances, can also be easily uploaded.
The School Board opened their new web site in less than five months. It should be a relatively simple task to place the Code of Ordinances, along with archives for the agendas and minutes, on an improved Essex County web site.
Most importantly, it will significantly improve openness and transparency within Essex County Government.
John Clickener
Transparency for Position Descriptions. Part 2
This is ESO's second step in our effort to bring more sunshine into local government. We are publishing the position descriptions for the Essex County Recreation Director, the Wetlands Engineer. Also included are the statutes for Industrial Development Authority (IDA), and the Planning Commission. Transparency includes informing the public of what the specific duties and responsibilities are for our elected and appointed leaders of our County Government.
Please note that for the IDA and the Planning Commission the statutes require the enactment of local ordinances (ie Essex County Ordinances) which are not currently readily available to the Public. The ordinances will be a topic in a future article.
This may have an additional benefit because the collection of data could be transferred directly to the much needed new Essex County Government web site.
Future posting will include more individual county government position descriptions, the statutory duties of the Airport Authority and other Essex County public bodies, and revisions to the county position descriptions as they are proposed. We will also begin posting the Essex County Schools position description later in the summer.
The following position descriptions and statutory basis for the IDA and the Planning Commission are now open to the public:
County Recreation Director http://www.essexsunshine.org/pdflib/essex-county-rec-director-2.pdf
Wetlands Engineer http://www.essexsunshine.org/pdflib/wetlands-engineer-1.pdf
John Clickener
Sunday, July 15, 2012
School Board Open Governance Progress
The new web site is already letting a little sunshine into the governance of the School System. I give them an A+ for being OPEN by placing the draft Student Code of Conduct Handbook online and available to everyone. Unfortunately, the link is obscure – in the News section, in a small article titled "Student Code of Conduct Handbook being revised." The link is the last word in the final sentence. I believe that, for TRANSPARENCY, the link should be much more prominent so it receives a C-. Therefore, the average grade for this small ray of sunshine is a B.
EssexSunshine.Org recognizes that the web site is still under development and appreciates the effort of the School Board to become more open. We believe that there is potential for the web site to receive an overall A in the future.
The July School Board Meeting, in conjunction with their retreat, is in Kingsmill Resort near Williamsburg on Thursday July 19th beginning at 9 am. If any parents or other members of the public want to comment either contact your District SB Member and the at large SB Member before the 19th or plan on driving to Kingsmill for the Public Comment Period. The meeting is open to the public and was announced to the Public at the last meeting, in the Rappahannock Times, and by EOS. Unanswered is whether the location of the meeting is easily accessible and is it good public policy?
Clickener Thursday, July 12, 2012
What to Do With the Cannon? – Part 4 (and FINAL)
On Tuesday, 10 July the cannon question was answered. Susan Derieux , President of the Museum informed the Board of Supervisors that the Essex County Museum would like to take custody of the much discussed 1864 cannon, raise funds for restoration and preservation, and properly display the cannon inside the Museum. Noted local Attorney Alec Dillard, Jr. offered a pro bono recommendation that the County place the Cannon on permanent loan to the Museum rather than transfer ownership. The Board of Supervisors BOS) unanimously passed a resolution to retain ownership but transfer custody of the cannon to the Museum and to coordinate its relocation.
Several local citizens immediately offered assistance to help move the cannon and one citizen offered a large seasoned white oak beam to provide the proper wood parts in authentically restoring the carriage.
This was a win for transparency in government. The County Administrator and the BOS identified a significant issue, conducted preliminary research, and brought the issue to the public at an open meeting. They received a large number of comments from the public and at the next meeting received a comprehensive proposal that address all of the major public concerns. They followed an excellent decision making model, considered the facts an opinions, and took appropriate decisive action
This was also a win for the Rappahannock Times which devoted a large amount of space to the reporting, an exceptional half page article, and Letters to the Editor concerning the cannon. Accurate and timely news coverage helps the BOS to be transparent and forms public opinion.
This was also a huge win for the Citizens of Essex County who, through their grass roots activism and communication with their supervisors, participated in reaching an optimal solution. There won't be any direct cost to the citizens, but donations to the Museum are encouraged. A hazard to public safety will be eliminated. The Cannon, which has been in Essex County for a century will remain in the county, but will be inside protected from the environment, restored and preserved, and should become the centerpiece of a new display in our local museum.
Tuesday, 10 July, was a great day for TRANSPARENCY, OPEN GOVERNMENT, and GRASS ROOTS CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT.
One final step of citizen involvement is essential - DONATIONS are needed to pay for the restoration and preservation (2 separate steps) and to design and build a suitable display within the Museum. PLEASE DONATE.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
ERROR in the post “Where are the Public Meeting Minutes?”
I was factually wrong in the 3 July post "Where are the Public Meeting Minutes?" The Code of Virginia 2.2-3707.1 ONLY APPLIES to the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth.
There is not any REQUIREMENT for any portion of local government to post minuets within any time limit, nor must they be posted online. There are very specific requirements for local government to keep minutes of open meetings, what must be included in the minutes, and that the minutes must be open to the public.
Thank you to the Chairman of the Essex County School Board for notifying me of my error.
I apologize for the error and have edited the posting to correct the errors while keeping my errors open to public view. I wrote the article - ESO had no responsibility for the erroneous citation. After all, I believe in government transparency and should meet that same standard for articles published by ESO.
Transparency for Position Descriptions.
This is one of ESO's initial steps in our effort to bring more sunshine into local government. We are publishing the position descriptions for the Essex County Administrator and the Assistant County Administrator (or is the Deputy County Administrator?). Transparency includes informing the public of what the specific duties and responsibilities are for our elected and appointed leaders of our County Government
This may have an additional benefit because the collection of position descriptions could be transferred to the much needed new Essex County Government web site.
Future posting will include additional individual position descriptions and the statutory duties of IDA, Planning Commission, etc.
The following position descriptions are now open to the public:
Assistant County Administrator
Clickener
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
What to Do With the Cannon? Part 3
In Part 2 potential courses of action were discussed. A fly on the wall at the Museum reported that the Essex County Museum and Historical Society Executive Board has approved a decision to accept the 1864 federal cannon from Essex County. No official announcement yet, but a member was appointed to attend the next BOS Meeting on Tuesday, July 10, at the School Board Conference Room.
This may simplify the decision for the BOS but the sticking points are always in the terms and conditions. Opinion - The course of action being suggested by the Museum has several benefits, no direct cost to the County, and no significant barriers. It would: 1. Move the cannon to the Museum, thereby enabling the final work on the War Memorial to be started, 2. Eliminate a safety hazard, 3. Keep the cannon in Essex County, 4. Provide for a climate controlled display inside the Museum, 5. Not require County Funds, and 6. Allow sufficient time for the conservation, preservation, and restoration plan to be developed and donations accepted.
"What to Do With the Cannon", Part 4, the BOS Meeting, undoubtedly will be included in Erin Kelley's Rappahannock Times (RT) news reporting (18 July edition) of the BOS Meeting.
So far the BOS has demonstrated good governance and decision making, the RT has reported on the issue, a local expert has written an exceptional opinion piece (published in the RT), a portion of the public has become engaged in the issue, and a civic organization has developed a thoughtfully considered proposal. Although a final decision hasn't been reached, the cannon issue demonstrates how Transparency and Open Government can effectively work toward optimal solutions.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
What to Do With the Cannon? Part 2
A previous blog post described the issue of the old federal cannon and the open and transparent way the County Administrator and the BOS identified the issue, conducted research, and notified the public of the preliminary information. This period between the last BOS regular meeting for FY 2012 and the first BOS regular BOS meeting of FY 2013 provides every member of the public with an opportunity to inform the County Administrator and each District Supervisor about their concerns and recommendations.
Considering that the BOS has taken all the appropriate preliminary steps – it's more than likely that they will provide an extended opportunity for public comment. The BOS is scheduled to convene at 10:00 AM on Tuesday 10 July. At that meeting the Board could move for a decision or, if deemed necessary, conduct addition research and gather additional data.
The BOS can, of course, use what ever process they chose to evaluate the options and reach a decision. The classical method is to identify the potential courses of action and weight the relative costs and benefits of each. Given how openly and effectively they have worked the issue so far, I believe that they will be judicious in reaching a final decision.
Some potential courses of action, not ranked in any order, are:
1. Take no action. Of course the risk of injury would still remain.
2. Place the old federal for sale by bid to cannon collectors.
3. Invite local volunteers, with the necessary skills, to repair the wooden carriage.
4. Donate the cannon, as is, to the Essex County Museum.
5. Trade the cannon, as is, for a National Park Service quality reproduction.
6. Place it in storage and defer the decision.
7. Loan the cannon, as is, to the Essex County Museum.
Although there are more potential courses of action and variations on each of the seven listed above there doesn't appear to be a single clearly best solution. There are however, in my opinion, several poor choices among those listed above.
An obvious question is - Why is John Clickener so concerned about the cannon? I have two interrelated concerns. 1. In my opinion, the old federal cannon, while not apparently historically significant, should be properly restored, preserved and properly protected and maintained. Where will it be positioned? 2. The final hardscape and landscape plans for the Essex County War Memorial, generously donated to Essex County by Joe and Helen Ware are being completed. Whether or not the cannon should be included in the final plans will be determined by what course of action is decided upon by the BOS. Will a cannon be displayed near the Memorial? Will the old federal cannon be sold, traded, donated, loaned, or otherwise relocated from the area near the Courthouse and displayed somewhere else?
The striking War Memorial honors all those Essex County citizens who have defended the original Colony of Virginia and the United States of America through almost 260 years. To properly honor those who have served in the most recent conflicts, it is essential that the hardscape plan be completed. The final hardscape will provide spaces to memorialize the names of the young Essex County men and women who have recently served and to recognize those who will serve in the future. The honoring of those who serve and the current public safety concern are why I believe a decision should be reached sooner rather than later.
Clickener
Where are the Public Meeting Minutes?
Since this article was posted errors were reported. They have been redacted with lining out and changing the font color to gray. I apologize for the errors. John R. Clickener 07102012
Have you visited the new Essex County Schools web site (http://www.essex.k12.va.us/) yet? It is much better organized, more attractive, and easier to navigate than the previous version. Of course, it's a work in progress because there are additional features that will benefit students, staff, parents, and the community.
The most current SB minutes are for a regular meeting dated 14 May. The SB also held a regular meeting on 11 June. The draft/unapproved minutes for that meeting were required to have been posted not later than the evening of 18 June. They were not there. The SB also held a special meeting on 26 June. Those minutes are required to be posted by the evening of 3 July.
Since the County Government has a web site, one would presume that the minutes would be posted there. Since they do not post minutes on the web site, the BOS should require the BOS Clerk to inform the public when and how the minutes are made available in compliance with the Code of Virginia.
The last regular meeting by the BOS was on 5 June. The draft/unapproved minutes for that meeting were required to have been made public not later than the evening of 12 June. The BOS met in special session at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 27 June; therefore, those draft/unapproved minutes are required to be made public by the evening of 6 June.
The Airport Authority, which is also required to make their minutes public, does post their minutes on the Essex County Government web site. The most recent minutes are for the Authority's 10 May meeting. They most recently met on 14 June; however, those draft/unapproved minutes were required to have been posted not later than 21 June.
The Code of Virginia Open Meetings Act mandates the broadest interpretation of open government and transparency. The Act specifically requires ALL public bodies (which includes the BOS, the SB, and most other local government entities such as the Airport Authority and the Planning Commission) "…to take minutes at open meetings and prescribes specific items of information which must be included." (Code of Virginia 2.2-3707) "Further, minutes must be made available within 5 working days of the original meeting and the final minutes within three working days of their approval." (Code of Virginia 2.2-3707.1)
Charges may be brought and penalties may be assessed for violations of the ACT.
Additional transparency and open government requirements concerning the conduct of public meetings, which the BOS and SB should consider, will be posted here on ESO. They include: Public Notice requirements prior to convening meetings, the very limited and specific reasons that permit public bodies to convene in closed session, adoption and publication of a local supplement to Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised which specifies the local rules for public comment during open meetings, etc.
Article by JRC John R. Clickener
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