New Treasure Island rules define disruption at City Hall

Treasure Island has adopted new rules governing conduct at public meetings, giving the mayor clearer authority to warn speakers, cut them off and, in more serious cases, have them removed for disrupting a meeting.

City commissioners unanimously approved the civility and decorum standards Tuesday. The rules apply to commissioners and board members as well as the public, and spell out what officials can and cannot treat as a disruption.

Criticism cannot be prohibited simply because it is “harsh, unpopular or offensive.” Disagreement with the city, its policies or officials also does not constitute a disruption as long as a speaker follows rules governing subject matter, time and conduct.

Yelling, persistent handclapping, chanting or similar behavior can cross that line when it materially interferes with a meeting. The presiding officer would ordinarily identify the conduct and issue a warning before taking further action.

If the behavior continues, a speaker can be directed to stop speaking, give up the floor or leave. Someone who refuses a lawful direction to leave could ultimately be escorted out by law enforcement. The resolution specifies that removal, trespass warnings, citations or arrests must be based on conduct rather than viewpoint.

Mayor John Doctor first asked commissioners to put conduct standards in writing during an Aug. 18 workshop, following a public comment period that repeatedly touched on turmoil at City Hall.

Over about 11 minutes, three residents discussed commission infighting, complaints and investigations, and the controversy surrounding City Manager Charlie Van Zant. The final speaker defended Van Zant and criticized those pursuing complaints and investigations against him.

Seconds after that speaker finished, Doctor raised what he called “an important matter regarding the conduct of the public meetings.”

Doctor said the city manager, attorney, clerk and other employees were entitled to a workplace free from harassment.

“This protection is not a courtesy,” Doctor said. “It is a right, and this commission takes it seriously.”

Doctor did not identify the preceding comments or the disputes involving Van Zant as the reason for his request. He said public participation should remain welcome while comments should relate to matters before the commission and not include personal attacks against city employees.

“Should there be consensus from the commission tonight, I would ask that we direct the city attorney to draft specific language reflecting this policy for inclusion in our board rules,” Doctor said.

Commissioners agreed unanimously, and the city attorney returned with the more detailed standards approved Tuesday.

Florida Statute 286.0114 requires local boards and commissions to provide a reasonable opportunity for the public to speak on matters before them. It also allows governments to adopt rules governing speaking time and “orderly conduct or proper decorum.”

Treasure Island’s resolution also incorporates First Amendment protections. It requires the rules to be enforced in a viewpoint-neutral manner and says criticism cannot be prohibited merely because it is “harsh, unpopular or offensive.”

The new rules retain a five-minute limit for public speakers, who cannot give unused time to someone else. Speakers generally must direct questions and comments through the presiding officer rather than addressing staff or audience members directly. Commissioners are not required to debate or immediately respond to issues raised during public comment.

Commissioners and members of city boards have standards of their own. They are directed to avoid interruptions, keep their remarks relevant and refrain from personal attacks or other conduct that interferes with meetings. Questions involving city employees are to go through the appropriate charter officer, who can respond or designate a staff member to do so.

A public commenter questioned the need for the new standards Tuesday and raised concerns about where officials would draw the line between protected speech and prohibited conduct. Commissioners approved the resolution without a lengthy discussion of those concerns.

The standards took effect immediately. Doctor had acknowledged the balance involved when he first asked commissioners to put the rules in writing Aug. 18.

“Public participation is a cornerstone of our democratic process,” Doctor said. “And comments from members of the elected City Commission and from our citizens are welcome and encouraged.”