P&Z tightens up decorum rules for meetings

Looking back to spring 2008, Ron Corwin recalled the many people who came out to show their support or opposition of the Westport Weston Family Y's proposed move to Camp Mahackeno. At those Planning and Zoning [P&Z] hearings, some proponents wore T-shirts with writing on them that expressed their support.

Corwin, chairman of the commission, never asked the supporters to conceal the shirts, but recently-approved decorum guidelines forbids such attire and establishes other policies.

"If we had to do it all over again ... and people were to come in wearing those shirts, based on the new policy we would ask them to cover the shirts or not come in the room," Corwin said.

The guidelines arose out of a July 22 work session and passed 6-1. Commission member Catherine Walsh voted no.

In addition to addressing attire people may wear -- or not wear -- and banning signs, the new rules dictate guidelines for politeness and civility during P&Z meetings. Previously, there were no set guidelines for any of these issues.

Walsh was in full support of the guidelines that stamp out aggressive or intimidating behavior, but she believes people should be able to express themselves at a meeting.

"It's just an issue of free speech. My biggest concern is unruly and threatening behavior," she said. "I believe you should have the ability to express your opinions in a civil, non-threatening way and I believe a sign or a color on a T-shirt is non-threatening."

In early 2010, two other incidents occurred that spurred creation of the guidelines. When a

proposal to expand the community gardens, next to Long Lots Elementary, was before P&Z, Corwin said he had to ask one person to take down a sign.

In March, a meeting about a proposal to build affordable housing on town-owned property at 655 Post Road E. was temporarily stopped by Corwin. An opponent of the controversial plan, which was later withdrawn, had a small sign with the word "no" written on it that was being displayed in clear view of the commission.

That pause in the meeting resulted in a discussion about free speech and, now, the new guidelines that aim to create a more neutral setting.

"The policy was adopted to ensure that the commission and the public can focus without distraction or disturbance on what is being said and presented at its hearings," said Laurence Bradley, director of Planning and Zoning.

Corwin said that some people are used to public speaking, while others might not be.

"You really want an atmosphere where they feel very comfortable and that they're not being challenged while they're speaking, and the commission itself is not being distracted," Corwin said.

In a statement, Corwin said, "Our meetings are `limited public forums' where decorum guidelines must protect the rights of individuals and be applied evenhandedly, not favoring one side or the other."

The decorum policy includes the following principles:

"¢ Individuals are welcomed, indeed invited, to address the Commission during the public comment period of any application.

"¢ All speakers are free to speak for, against or about those agenda items.

"¢ Speakers may speak only when recognized and at the podium.

"¢ In general, the public is asked to show respect for the statements of others, the right of all speakers to be heard, not interrupted, argued with or otherwise disrupted or behave in any way that limits the speaker's ability to present his/her views.

"¢ No demonstrations of support or opposition such as applause for or jeering of speakers.

"¢ In order to minimize disruptions or distractions the following behaviors will not be permitted at our meetings: displays of any kind on any surface including but not limited to clothing and signs.

"¢ Speakers from the general public may be asked to observe informal time limits in order to allow time for everyone to speak.

"¢ No profanity or abusive language or personal criticism will be permitted.