Guide to Meetings

GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Village Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings


Public Comment Opportunities

The Village Board encourages public attendance at Village meetings and is interested in hearing comments and opinions from the public. Therefore, the Board has authorized opportunities for public comment at both the Village Board and the Committee of the Whole meetings. The first opportunity for public comment is at the beginning of the Village Board Meeting under "Citizens Wishing to Address the Board." At this time members of the public may address the Board on any items listed on that meeting's agenda or on any topic. During the Committee of the Whole meeting, members of the public may provide comment at the beginning of that portion of the meeting only on items listed on that meeting's agenda.

Requirement for Pubic Comment Sign-Up

Individuals interested in speaking during either of the public comment times must sign up on the appropriate speaker's list prior to the time on the agenda when the public comment is allowed. Each speaker must list their name, address (optional), telephone number (optional) and subject upon which they intend to speak.

Three Minute Time Limit & Large Groups

In order to provide the opportunity for all who wish to address the Village Board and/or Committee of the Whole, public comment is limited to three minutes per person per meeting. Time may not be yielded from one speaker to another. The chair of the meeting shall have the discretion to extend the per person public comment session past three minutes for a particular topic or a particular meeting. A group of three or more individuals speaking on the same topic are asked designate a single spokesperson to present the group's public comments.

Response to Public Comments

Members of the public body will not respond to public comments at the public meeting unless directed by the Village President or Chair of the public body. The Village President or Chair will respond to public comments as he or she deems appropriate, and may direct the speaker to the appropriate Village official or staff member for assistance.

Cvility Required

Each speaker shall address their subject matter to the Village Board in a reasonable tone and shall focus on the issues and not personalities. Abusive, foul or other inappropriate language or conduct and/or personal attacks are not permitted.

Authority of the Chair

The Village President or Chair has the authority to terminate the public comment session of any person who fails to adhere to these guidelines.

Additional Resources


About Village Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings

In general, the Village Board meets twice per month on first and third Tuesday evenings of each month, starting at 7 p.m., unless otherwise announced.  Meetings are held at Village Hall, 290 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills unless otherwise noted. 

In addition to Public Comment, the Village Board Meeting agenda includes information, reports and decisions on action items.

If a Committee of the Whole Meeting is schedule, it will be held immediately after the adjournment of the Village Board Meeting. Committee of the Whole meetings are for general discussion and fact finding on issues before final board action is taken. Items on the Committee of the Whole agenda are either recommended for additional staff or petitioner action, or scheduled for formal Board action at a future Village Board Meeting.  Occasionally, committee discussion and board action may be taken the same day when there is some urgency to the issue/action.

As needed, the Village Board Meeting will be preceded by a Liquor and License Commission Hearing, or followed by a closed session.