CC 02/10/2014 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CASSELQERRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of February 10, 2014 —Regular Meeting Page 9 of 12 Commissioner Fry called for a Point of Order. Commissioner Fry stated that Mr. Fraleigh's tone of voice was fine and was loud because of the microphone, and he felt the Commission should allow him his three minutes to speak and only interrupt in the event he said something inappropriate. Mayor Glancy then cautioned Commissioner Fry about his tone of voice, as well. Discussion: A discussion and debate ensued regarding Mr. Fraleigh's tone of voice and whether his right to freedom of speech allowed him to voice his opinions at meetings in a loud voice. Both Vice Mayor Hufford and Commissioner Solomon indicated that they felt his tone at this and other meetings was aggressive and they felt threatened. Commissioner Fry disagreed that Mr. Fraleigh's comments and tone of voice at the meetings constituted any kind of threat. He added that he did not believe the Mayor should interrupt him when he had the opportunity to speak. Mayor Glancy reminded everyone that conduct of the Commission meetings basically follows general rules of parliamentary procedure and the meeting rules approved by the Commission, and that as the presiding officer she has the right to call attention to anything that is disrupting the meeting, including the conduct of a speaker. She added that when she has cautioned Mr. Fraleigh, it has been because he has become increasingly aggressive in his speech and she has noted discomfort among the Commissioners and/or members of the audience. Vice Mayor Hufford and Commissioner Solomon both expressed support of Mayor Glancy's statement. Mayor Glancy then noted that there was majority support and stated the discussion was ended. Commissioner Fry stated that he believed Mr. Fraleigh had to raise his voice to get the attention of the Commission, as in his observations from the dais he did not believe the Commissioners would listen to him if he spoke in a normal tone. He added that a having a majority on an issue did not necessarily mean that it was right, and that it was proper to regulate certain things, but not the tone of Mr. Fraleigh's voice at the very moment he raises it. Mayor Glancy called for a motion to end the debate. MOTION: Vice Mayor Hufford moved to end the debate. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Solomon. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote 5- 0. Mayor Glancy announced that Citizen Comments would now resume. Mr. Fraleigh continued his comments, after which the following individual came forward: Mr. John Casselberry, 700 South Lost Lake Lane, stated he felt Citizens' Comments should be placed at the beginning of the agenda as it would be more convenient for a citizen to speak and then go home if they wished. He also voiced some concerns about the City Center property and whether professional engineers had been involved in deciding where the commercial buildings should be located in relation to the pockets of muck. No one else came forward. 14. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT