A former chairman of the Moore County Planning Board had friendly advice Thursday night for the board he once led.

During the public-comment period at the end of the meeting, Harry Huberth said that in setting a three-minute speaking limit, the board created a problem where one previously did not exist.

Huberth was referring to the disappointment and displeasure expressed by a number of people who were not allowed to complete their remarks during a public hearing held earlier in the meeting in connection with a request concerning the Pine Forest development at West End. By the time he spoke, the Pine Forest opponents and supporters had left the meeting room.

"People were angry," he said. "They aren't going to be happy with the Planning Board."

In the past, he said, the planning board has had a problem with too many people wanting to speak, not with the length of time they address the board.

Huberth said that even if people are not pleased with the board's decision, they will at least be aware that they were given an opportunity to express their views.

"This is their forum," he said. "Let them get it out of their systems here."

Huberth adhered to the policy, however, and spoke less than three minutes.

Although the three-minute speaking limit has been followed by the Board of Commissioners and, sometimes in the past, by the planning panel, it has not been mentioned as a specific policy in recent years.

But at the Thursday night meeting, prior to the public hearing on Pine Forest, County Attorney Misty Leland appeared before the board and recommended adoption of the three-minute limit. The board voted unanimously to adopt the policy, which is also the policy of the county commissioners.

Leland usually attends Planning Board meetings, but this was the first time she had recommended a specific policy pertaining to speaking limits.

Board member Ricky Lea said the board needs a better method of notifying speakers of their time limits. Lea said he is aware that an electronic lighting system might be too expensive but suggested that the board needs a better system than simply raising a hand when only one minute remains in speaking time.

Lea was similarly troubled because audience members were disruptive at times, standing up and demanding the right to speak when others were speaking.

"It could have gotten out of hand," Lea said.

Lea said the procedure should be tightened up with everyone wishing to speak being required to sign the sign-up sheet prior to the hearing, rather than deciding to speak after the hearing has begun.

Leland said that the speaking time limit is spelled out in the information with the sign-up sheet, available to visitors as they enter the meeting room. She said the three-minute limit for public comment is the policy in place with the Board of Commissioners.

Contact Florence Gilkeson (910) 693-2479 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.