Perrysburg Township: Trustees limit public comments

Perrysburg Township residents may have to put their complaints in writing or voice their concerns more quickly after the trustees unanimously approved a resolution limiting public comments at meetings.

Under the new rules approved last week, comments will be limited to two minutes per person, except when the chairman decides an issue deserves more time.

Content will be restricted to items on the agenda, but residents can ask to speak on other items.

The resolution states that complaints about township operations, including specific departments, department heads, or employees, should be made in writing to the administrator, who can investigate it or bring it to the attention of the trustees

The trustees said they want to hear from the public, but need to keep comments in line.

"Some of our employees have felt that they've been harassed," trustee Craig LaHote said.

The township's attorney, John Donahue, suggested the limits earlier this spring after a resident complained about a police dispatcher's behavior.

Township officials investigated her allegations and said they were unfounded.

Three weeks ago, another resident spoke out against the township zoning administrator.

Trustees did not ask for public comment on the resolution before voting.