How to speak at the New Bern planning board: rules for public comment and representation

Jessica Ru explained public-comment procedures to a crowded room, emphasizing that speakers must address comments to the board, speak from the microphone at the podium so recordings and remote viewers capture remarks, and should limit remarks to the case under consideration. "You must speak specifically about the case being heard at the time and address your comments to the board," she said.

To limit repetition, Ru said attendees who agree with a prior speaker may simply say, "I agree with what this person has said and sit back down," or elect a single spokesperson to represent a group with shared views. She also reiterated that the board will not participate in live dialogue with speakers; staff will follow up on questions later via the contact information collected on sign-in sheets.