Public Meetings & Agendas

In-Person Comments

Members of the public may provide in-person comments on agenda items that are scheduled for a vote or during the Presentations from Members of the Public ("open mic") portion of the agenda.

Speaking on Items Scheduled for a Vote

To provide in-person comments on items on the consent agenda or items listed for individual consideration, individuals must submit a speaker card (available at the meeting room entrance) to the City Secretary prior to the item being called for presentation and discussion.  The chair of the meeting will call on the speaker by name and each speaker will be given 3 minutes to provide comments.

Speaking on Public Hearings Items

For public hearing agenda items, speaker cards are encouraged but not required. Speakers will be given four (4) minutes to provide comments.  

Presentations from Members of the Public ("Open Mic")

Reports from members of the public may be on any topic not already on the agenda through:

1. Pre-Registration: Speakers must register by noon the Thursday before the meeting by contacting the City Secretary's Office using the information below.
2. Registration at the Meeting: Speakers may register by completing a speaker registration card ("blue card") and submitting it to the City Secretary no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the Regular Session of the meeting.

Speakers will be given four (4) minutes to provide comments.

eComment

Meetings with opportunities for virtual (electronic) public comment will have a link beside the agenda for “eComment.” The eComment allows members of the public to register their support of or opposition to an item and leave a comment 

When first using the system, a person will be invited to create an account to enter the registration information that is collected for public comments. Once the account is created, they will be able to click the “Comment” icon located below each eligible item they wish to comment on. eComments will close at the meeting start time so that full comments are able to be provided to the City Council or board members. 

City Council or the Board members for the applicable public meeting will receive email notifications for each online comment submitted. While they are included in the meeting record, eComments and in-person white card comments will not be read aloud during the meeting. 

Learn more about the eComments.

Comments by Phone

Citizens wishing to speak over the phone during City Council or Planning & Zoning meetings must pre-register using the online form. Once the agenda is posted for the meeting until noon on the day of the meeting, a link will be posted below to sign up to make comments over the phone, and registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions.

Tips for Speaking at a Public Meeting

• State your name and city of residence at the start of your comments or presentation. 
• The best comments about the issue under discussion are to the point. Comments that do not use all the time available, but are to the point, are often more effective than long and repetitive presentations. 
• If your point has been made by previous speakers, feel free to inform the meeting chair that you do not need to speak because your point had been made. You can make a simple statement from your seat such as the following: “I do not wish to speak. My point has been made.” 
• If you plan to present information printouts, have the materials organized and ready to present to the City Secretary (or committee recorder) who will distribute it to the members, and begin your presentation immediately. 
• Address your remarks to the all members, rather than to a specific member. 
• There is no need to ask if anyone has questions. The chair will ask you to stay at the podium if there is a question. 
• The meeting podium may have a count-down clock, which will indicate how much time is remaining to speak. When the time has ended, a bell will sound and your comments should be completed.

City Hall Safety

For the safety and security of all attendees, firearms are strictly prohibited from being carried into a public meeting.  Please be aware that security screenings may be conducted using a metal detector.

We appreciate your cooperation in creating a safe environment for all meeting participants.