Taylor Council Passes Public Decorum Policy

By Naomi Hatch
   “Budget issues, water and sewer issues, flooding issues, road issues. These are the issues that we should be focusing on here as a town council. Unfortunately, because of some who feel that this council hasn’t listened to them regarding consolidation and others through personal agenda have now resorted to tactics of intimidation, humiliation and disruption,” said Vice Mayor Jordy Fuentes as the Dec. 9 Taylor Town Council meeting began.
   “We, the council feel it is time to stop giving these individuals a forum in which to carry out these actions,” said Fuentes. “I want to emphasize that we realize it is the actions of a few, but because of these actions we feel it necessary to take additional precautions, and implement guidelines outlining proper decorum and behavior with accompanying consequences. These measures are meant to safeguard the safety of all those who choose to attend these public meetings and not to hinder the community involvement that is critical to running the town.”
Mayor Debbie Tuckfield stated, “Our last meeting was a fiasco, as far as I was concerned. We are here for public service or for articles printed in the paper not to be ridiculed all over the White Mountains. If citizens say they love the Town of Taylor, I ask them to stop these comments.
   “These meetings will go on, because I feel the council that sits up here has the best interest of the town at heart. That type of meeting that went on last week will never happen again, never,” said the mayor.
   Backup material prepared by Town Manager Eric Duthie stated, “For some time, public demeanor at town council meetings has been both disappointing and disparaging. The most recent example, a resident approaching council during the ‘call to the public’ carrying a baseball bat while attempting to draw council into a debate, in specific violation of state law, is a clear indication that evolving pattern of conduct will not correct itself.”
   At the council’s request, town staff members reviewed numerous policies and procedures that are being used by other legal bodies regarding public demeanor and conduct at council meetings, and Duthie provided samples for review. A policy was then written entitled Taylor Town Council Public Agenda Access and Demeanor Policy.
   As they were discussing decorum, a woman in the audience interrupted to tell the council she did not have a copy of the policy, adding that they never get copies. Duthie explained that packets are available for council members and explained citizens could have copies of public documents by requesting them.
   The policy detailed the authority the town has to conduct council meetings, the purpose, call to the public participation, public request for agenda item placement, public presentation to the council, action of council on agenda item, public demeanor, conduct and participation, and included forms.
   Duthie said the forms would be available beginning Dec. 10.
   Councilwoman Jane Lee moved to approve the town policy identifying the procedure for the public to request placement of an item on the town council agenda; approval of the town policy concerning public demeanor and conduct at town council meetings; approval of the town council agenda request form; and approval of the town council meeting call to the public request form.
   Before there was a second, Lon Willis interrupted the meeting and asked if he could talk.
   He was asked to come to the podium and state his name. Willis said he couldn’t come to the podium because the chief of police removed his walking device.
   Mayor Tuckfield explained that it was a baseball bat; that canes or crutches are always welcome in town hall, but baseball bats are not.
   Duthie asked EMS Director Clint Burden to help Willis to the podium. As he was walking the few feet to help Willis, Willis said, “I want to express concerns on Americans with Disabilities Act.”
   Mayor Tuckfield asked Willis to sit down, noting that item was not on the agenda and could not be discussed.
   The mayor then called for a second, and Councilman Jared Hatch seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
   Upon adjournment of the meeting Lon Willis told Mayor Tuckfield he wanted to make peace and wish her a Merry Christmas, and invited her to go with him to Trapper’s Cafe for a piece of pie the following day.
   The mayor responded, “I'm a public official and can’t accept gifts, but I will accept your Merry Christmas.”