(A) (1) The County Board of Commissioners has traditionally invited the presentation of thoughts, readings and invocations as an opening ceremony before certain of its meetings.
(2) This opening to the county’s legislative process is for a purpose, among other reasons, to:
(a) Provide a moment during which Commission members and the audience can reflect on the importance of the business before the Commission;
(b) Promote an atmosphere of civility;
(c) Encourage lofty thoughts and high-mindedness;
(d) Recognize cultural diversity; and
(e) Foster sensitivity for and recognize the uniqueness of all segments of our community.
(3) The presentations shall be done on a volunteer basis and without cost to the county. The county will not dictate the form or content of any such presentation.
(B) It is the policy of the County Board of Commissioners to afford any and all residents of the county the opportunity to be involved in such activity and, therefore, the following procedure will be instituted.
(1) Every fifth year through public notices in the media and at civic functions, county residents will be notified that applications are continuously accepted for the opportunity to designate the invocation for specific meetings to be held during the future.
(2) Each county resident of adult age is entitled to submit one application.
(3) In the event the number of applications exceeds the number of meetings scheduled, random drawings will be held and the successful applicants will be notified of the meeting for which they are in charge of the invocation.
(4) The successful applicant may appear and personally present the invocation or specify an agent or organization to participate on such applicant’s behalf.
(Res. 2004-4-1, passed - -)