Public Meeting Attendance Information

Authority of the Presiding Officer:

The presiding officer, has the inherent authority to maintain order and impose reasonable restrictions necessary for the efficient and orderly conduct of the meeting. This includes regulating the order and length of appearances and limiting presentations to relevant points.

Decorum and Conduct:

Any person who fails to comply with reasonable rules of conduct or who causes a disturbance may be asked to leave. Failure to comply with such a request may result in the person being treated as a trespasser under OAR 137-004-0010.

Public Attendance vs. Participation:

Under ORS 192.630(1), all meetings of a governing body are open to the public, and all persons are permitted to attend.
As established by OAR 199-050-0050(6), the Public Meeting Law is a public attendance law, not a public participation law. The right of attendance does not include an automatic right to participate through public testimony or comment unless otherwise required by specific statutes (such as budget or land-use hearings).

How to Provide Public Comment:

In-Person Sign-Up: Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the meeting start time and add your name to the sign-in sheet located near the entrance.
Remote Sign-Up: To provide oral testimony remotely, please raise your “hand” in the chat after you have been admitted to the Teams meeting and the presiding officer will be notified.
Written Testimony: If you prefer not to speak, written testimony may be submitted to office@owwsa.net up to 4 hours before the meeting. Written comments will be shared with the governing body and included in the public record.

Joining the Meeting Remotely:

Access Link: Teams link will be provided on the website: www.owwsa.org
Audio Protocol: Please keep your microphone muted until the presiding officer calls your name.
Technical Issues: If you experience technical difficulties that prevent you from testifying, you may submit your comments in writing within 24 hours of the meeting's start time.