PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT IN ITHACA COMMUNITY RADIO BOARD MEETINGS

WRFI values public engagement in WRFI Board meetings.

1. Admission to Meetings:
   1. WRFI Board of Directors meetings are generally held the second Tuesday of the month, 6-8pm via teleconferencing, unless held in-person.
   2. Individuals who wish to participate in the public comment period must request admission to the meeting at least 24 hours in advance.
   3. Requests for admission can be submitted by contacting the Board Recorder.
   4. Requests must include the name of the individual, contact information, and a brief description of the topic or issue they intend to address during the public comment period, if applicable.
   5. The Recorder or another representative will confirm receipt of the request and provide relevant details, including meeting time, location, and any additional instructions.
2. Public Comment Period:
   1. The purpose of the public comment period is to allow individuals an opportunity to address the WRFI board or leadership on matters relevant to its functions and responsibilities.
   2. A designated period of time, typically at the beginning or end of each meeting, will be allocated for public comments.
   3. The duration of the public comment period may be specified by the board president or presiding officer and communicated in advance.
      1. Each comment will be given no less than 2 minutes, unless the conduct of the commenter violates the policies listed.
   4. Comments in the Zoom chat are permitted and subject to the same conduct policies below.
3. Conduct During Public Comment:
   1. Participants must adhere to the established time limit for public comments, as determined by the board president or presiding officer.
   2. Comments should be relevant to the agenda items or within the jurisdiction of the WRFI board or leadership.
   3. Personal attacks, defamatory remarks, or disruptive behavior that prevents the meeting from meaningfully continuing will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the meeting.
   4. Each participant will be allowed one opportunity to speak during the public comment period, unless otherwise permitted by the president or presiding officer.
4. Close of Public Comment Period:
   1. After the close of the public comment period, public attendees at the board meeting are permitted to remain in the meeting but are not permitted to provide additional comment unless a quorum of board members agrees to hear the comment(s). Comments in the Zoom chat are permitted as long as they are not disruptive (as defined above in Section 3C).
   2. The WRFI board reserves the right to enter into executive session as permitted by applicable laws or regulations.
      1. Public participants may be asked to leave the meeting during executive session to ensure confidentiality and compliance with legal requirements.
      2. Participants who refuse to leave the meeting during executive session may be subject to removal by the president or presiding officer.
5. Recording and Broadcasting:
   1. Public comments may be recorded as part of the meeting minutes or audio/video recordings, at the discretion of the WRFI board.
   2. Participants should be aware that their comments may be made public and accessible to others through various channels, including but not limited to the WRFI website or social media platforms.
6. This open meeting policy may be amended by the WRFI board as deemed necessary.
   1. Any proposed amendments will be publicly announced and discussed at a regular meeting prior to adoption.