§ 102.11. Public opportunity to be heard.

1.

Members of the public shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a proposition before the board of county commissioners. The board shall provide an opportunity for public comment prior to the undertaking by the board of any action on the agenda, including those matters on the consent agenda, which falls outside the scope of those items listed in subsection (2) below. Public comment shall also be heard on any proposition which the board is to take action which was either not on the board agenda or distributed to the public prior to the commencement of the meeting;

2.

The requirements in subsection (1) do not apply to:

a.

An official act that must be taken to deal with an emergency situation affecting the public health, welfare, or safety, if compliance with the requirements would cause an unreasonable delay in the ability of the board to act;

b.

An official act of the board involving no more than a ministerial act, including, but not limited to, approval of minutes and ceremonial proclamations;

c.

A meeting that is exempt pursuant to F.S. § 286.011, such as a meeting with the county attorney's office concerning settlement negotiations or strategy sessions related to litigation expenditures; or

d.

A meeting during which the board is acting in a quasi-judicial capacity.

3.

Any person who desires to address the board of county commissioners may be recognized by the presiding officer, and when recognized shall step to the microphone, give his or her name and address, and then give his or her remarks, limiting his or her remarks to three (3) minutes unless additional time is granted by the presiding officer.

4.

Representatives of groups or factions on a proposition may address the board of county commissioners, rather than all members of such groups or factions, at meetings in which a large number of individuals wish to be heard.

(Ord. No. 2013-015, § 4, 10-1-13)