The Schuylkill County Commissioners tabled a motion Wednesday limiting public comment.

Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington motioned to approve, which was seconded by commissioner George Halcovage Jr. However, Halcovage added he wanted the motioned tabled until next week. All commissioners voted to table.

County Solicitor Alvin Marshall would not exactly say why the motion was drafted.

“We are not attempting to take anyone’s free speech away. All this is a method of keeping things in a civil manner,” he said.

The proposed motion set guidelines for public participation, and among other things, required those participating virtually to submit their comments to the county clerk within a specified time frame.

Melissa Melewsky, attorney for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, said previously the changes are “inappropriate barriers to access” and unreasonable.”

Read Thursday’s Times News for additional details.