Citizen Participation in Library Board Meetings Policy
Divide County Public Library
Per North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19
Citizen Participation in Library Board Meetings Policy: Public comment periods are held at the beginning of regular quarterly meetings and are not included as part of the agenda for special meetings or public presentations.
Individuals who wish to address the Library Board must sign in prior to the meeting being called to order. Speakers will be recognized in the order in which they registered. Signups must be completed prior to the meeting being called to order. The Library Board President will acknowledge and request that speakers state their name and address.
At the start of a meeting, the agenda will include a designated time for citizen comments. Each speaker is limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes. The total public comment period will be limited to 15 minutes. If the time expires before all registered individuals have had the opportunity to speak, those individuals may be invited to address the Board at a future meeting or may submit their comments in writing for the Board’s review.
Public comments must pertain to a library-related subject and may be further limited to topics appearing on the current meeting agenda or the agenda of at least one prior Library Board meeting. Discussion of issues not related to library business or those deemed inappropriate will not be permitted.
The Board may choose to respond after a speaker has concluded or may proceed directly to the next speaker without comment.
Procedures for Public Comment Period
To address the Library Board:
- Please sign in with your name and address prior to the meeting being called to order
- Stand when your name is called.
- Clearly state your name and address for the record.
- Make your statement directly to the Library Board.
- Limit your comments to three (3) minutes.
- You will be notified when your time has elapsed.
- Be seated once you have finished or are informed that your time is up.
- Please keep all comments civil, respectful, and relevant.
ADOPTED: 9/27/2023
REVISED: 9/10/2025
Citizen Participation Sign-In Sheet
By signing below, I acknowledge and agree that any comments made during this meeting must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Comments must not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful.
- Comments must not include information that is confidential or exempt under North Dakota open records laws.
- Comments must not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
- Comments must be relevant to the business and responsibilities of the public entity.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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