The conduct of City Council meetings is guided by rules designed to carry out the public's business in the most effective, responsive and open manner possible.
Any member of the public may request time to address the Council. If the comment applies to an item that is listed on the council agenda (with the exception of the consent agenda), you may address the council during the time allotted for public comment when the item is addressed.
Comments regarding consent agenda items or items which are not on the agenda will be taken during the "general public comment" period which occurs near the beginning of each meeting.
All public comments are limited to three minutes per individual, or a total
of 30 minutes per subject or item, subject to the discretion of the Presiding Officer. In the event of a single subject group comment, single time allocation for a spokesperson to exceed the three minute limit may be allowed. Requests for a special time allotment should be made prior to the meeting through the office of the City Clerk
(379-5045).
The public comment period is generally not a time for dialogue. The Mayor may
recognize any Councilor or the City Manager for the limited purpose of providing
a brief response, comment, or summary of expected action. If your public comment contains a series of questions, please provide those questions to the City Clerk in writing. This will facilitate
follow-up by the council or staff. Following public comments, the Presiding Officer may place a matter on the agenda or a future agenda, or refer the matter to administration or a council committee for investigation and report.
All public speakers must state their name, address and the subject of the comment after they are recognized by the Presiding Officer and before they speak.
The City Council desires to allow a maximum opportunity for public comment. However, the business of the City must proceed in an orderly, timely manner. At any time, the Presiding Officer, at his/her sole discretion, may set such reasonable limits as are necessary to prevent disruption of other necessary business. Any ruling of the Presiding Officer may be overruled by a majority of council members present.
