Pleasant Valley Officials Issue Unusual Warning to Residents

The Town of Pleasant Valley is reminding residents that they are expected to follow the rules while attending town meetings. Failure to do so could result in police involvement.

If you've ever attended a town meeting in the town you live in, you know that there are times when meetings can become heated. There are times when residents will yell and scream at board members if they don't agree with whatever the topic of discussion is. It happens more than you would think, and officials in Pleasant Valley are reminding residents that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

Pleasant Valley Town Hall

Pleasant Valley Town Board Issues Reminder About Meetings

The Town issued a public notice on September 21 regarding “decorum at Town Board meetings,” reminding everyone who attends meetings that elected officials, town employees and members of the public should be able to attend, speak and leave without being yelled at, aggressively approached or made to feel threatened.

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The notice comes with the town making it clear that public participation is still welcome and that residents are allowed to speak during the portion of a meeting designated for public comment. Those speaking are asked to address the Town Board as a whole, follow any applicable time limits, and refrain from shouting, personal confrontations, or other behavior that could intimidate board members, employees, or others attending the meeting.

The town specifically addressed what happens when a meeting ends.

Officials said that yelling at a Town Board member during a meeting, or immediately after a meeting has been adjourned, is not considered public participation and will not be tolerated. The town says that applies whether the person involved is a member of the public or a Town employee.

Rules at Meetings in Pleasant Valley, NY

Threatening Behavior Could Be Referred to Police in Pleasant Valley, NY

The notice also states that the person presiding over the meeting will enforce the Town's rules of procedure. If someone's behavior is considered threatening, harassing, or otherwise unlawful, the conduct may be documented and referred to law enforcement.

The town also wanted to make one thing very clear: residents are still encouraged to attend meetings and voice their opinions. “The public is welcome at Town meetings and will be heard when remarks are offered at the proper time and in the proper manner,” the notice states.

But officials added that no one is entitled to scream at a Town Board member, and that type of behavior will not be tolerated.