Shelby Adopts Rules of Decorum after String of Unruly Board Meetings

After chaos erupted at the last Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting when a , causing a board member to leave her seat and audience members to spring to their feet and hurl threats, the township adopted new rules of decorum.

The rules were adopted by a 4-1 vote at a Jan. 27 work session. The rules mandate how the public should act when addressing the board; as an audience member; signage at a public meeting; and the removal of a citizen if the rules are broken.

"We need to be able to have quiet time and respect for everyone in this room and audience. These rules are going to preserve that right," said Supervisor Rick Stathakis.

Several residents voiced concern that the rules would impede freedom of speech. “You’re a politician. You’re getting paid to hear us,” said Shelby Township resident John Holeton.

At the Jan. 17 Board of Trustees meeting, Trustee Lisa Manzella stormed out of the meeting after she asked Stathakis to remove a resident who was waving a sign in protest at her as she addressed the board. Stathakis called order to the room but did not ask the resident to leave because he said he didn’t see the signs being waved.

Manzella went so far as to accuse Stathakis at the work session of cueing the protestor with a hand motion to wave the signs as Manzella spoke.

"That’s totally untrue and I’m insulted," said Stathakis.

Only the supervisor and a designated law enforcement officer can issue a warning to a resident who has broken the rules of decorum. After the second offense, the resident will be asked to leave the room. If the resident does not remove himself or herself, he or she will be escorted by police out of the room.

Under the new rules, signs at the board meeting under 18 inches are permitted but cannot be moved in a disruptive manner during the meeting.

Manzella, who admitted the rules were necessary, voted against the policy change because she didn't agree with the supervisor and a law enforcement officer having sole discretion over who should be removed and because the vote didn't take place during a regular board meeting.

Stathakis, Trustee Michael Flynn, Treasurer Paul Viar, and Trustee Paula Filar voted in favor of the rules of decorum. Trustee Doug Wozniak was absent from the meeting.

The rules will go into effect at the next board meeting, which is Feb. 7.