A new procedural rule limiting public comments to three minutes per person was approved by Freeport’s village board at its July 26 meeting. Previously there were no specific time restrictions, as the mayor and board members used their own discretion when responding to residents. 

Speakers will also be given two additional minutes to ask a follow-up question. Those wanting to address more than one agenda item will be granted three minutes per topic. Time restrictions do not apply to the mayor or village officials.  While several residents criticized the rule, saying the time limit was too short, its approval was largely well-received by the gathering of over 50 residents. 

Board comments 

Deputy Mayor Carmen Pineyro said she fully supported the new procedure, since it would allow more people to talk, prevent concerns about “favorites” being granted longer time at the podium and encourage “effective government.” 

Trustee Robert Kennedy stated it was the current administration that arranged to have the board meetings televised so that residents could “really see what’s going on…” but that some have “abused” the opportunity. The audience applauded when he said, “I don’t see any reason why somebody can’t make a good presentation within three minutes.” 

Trustee William White supported the rule ,saying that residents with legitimate concerns should have the opportunity to speak, but anyone speaking “too loud, too long or in a disrespectful way, should be asked…to sit down.” 

Jorge Martinez, the fourth board member, was absent. 

Mayor Andrew Hardwick said instituting the rule was up to the board, as he personally did not care if he sat in a meeting “all night.” Regarding the rule’s effectiveness, he said that it “works for the school boards” who commonly enforce the same guidelines.  More concerned about the conduct at meetings, Mayor Hardwick said there have been occasions in the past where he has “been ashamed...” knowing that not only adults but children can watch the televised meetings. We must “set the example,” he said. Despite differences of opinion, the mayor said, “We’ve got to respect the fact that we are all Freeporters.” 

Noise complaints 

Two residents living near the Nautical Mile complained about loud music from at least one establishment interfering with their quality of life. Fred Ballise, a 33-year resident of South Freeport, said he was at his “wits end” as he could hear, if not the music itself, at least the sound of bass seven days a week.

Michelle Murphy, a 15-year resident, said the music was not there when she moved in and while it has become “more bearable,” complained of one restaurant owner who is not cooperating.  Trustee White explained the regulation states that noise cannot exceed 85 decibels at its place of origin and cannot exceed 55 decibels (at night) at a resident’s property line. He said this should be an enforceable code and violations should be given. 

Mr. White said he has previously explained that implementing the code and teaching law enforcement officers how to properly measure and respond to this situation would take some time.  In a follow-up after the meeting, Village Attorney Howard Colton told The Leader that law officers were in the process of taking a three-day course at Rutgers University to learn how to use newly purchased sound testing equipment. The updated equipment, along with the benefits of the course, is aimed at effectively responding to noise complaints. 

Miscellaneous issues 

• Members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission were reappointed and sworn in. The group includes Regina Feeney, Gary Quilliam and Cynthia Krieg. Mary Kane and Anthony Baker were newly appointed for a three-year term and Pietrina Reda was sworn in as chairperson for a one-year term.
• Board approval was given for all seven applications submitted by various organizations to hold block parties, festivals and memorials.
• Approval was given to cover the transportation, a bus tour and room and board costs for the Annapolis Midshipmen (U.S. Naval Academy cadets) from August 6-9, as Freeport is one of their ports of call. 

By Sharon G. Jonas