form a group of people ….

form a group of people to remove someone from the room, but Puerner strongly recommended against that due to the potential constitutional repercussions.

“The liability makes me want to vomit,” he said.

Puerner also suggested the board consider adopting a rule that requires speakers to “adopt a respectful tone, contributing to an environment of civility.” He said it would also be a good idea for the board to make its expectations of conduct clear before the public comment section begins at each meeting.

Supervisor Jennifer Aarrestad, who chaired the committee meeting about the contentious COVID-19 issue, said she was glad to get follow-up advice from Puerner about what to do in those situations.

“I think I did the best I could,” she said, but acknowledged she may have done things differently had she heard Puerner’s advice beforehand.

Board chairman Kurt Gibbs said Puerner’s presentation was not meant to target anyone, but to offer general guidance for committee chairmen and supervisors.

Supervisor Ann Lemmer said she felt a “great sadness” hearing a speaker singling out people of the Jewish faith, and she wanted to somehow make it clear that she and the board did not agree with the speaker’s comments.

“It took all my effort to not stand up and say ‘stop it,’” she said.

Puerner said she understands Lemmer’s desire to do that, but he strongly advised supervisors not to respond to what speakers say during public comment because it could result in a backand- forth debate that would violate the open meetings law.

“Engaging is not the point of public comment,” he said. “Public comment is the opportunity for the public to provide their input.”