Speaking at a Council Meeting
Types of Appearances
Members of the public may address the Council at the following times during a meeting:
- Citizens Presentation is a specified time at the beginning of each Council meeting for citizens to speak on a subject pertaining to the city’s jurisdiction that is not formally scheduled on the agenda, scheduled as a public hearing or scheduled for consideration by the Council or another city board or commission at a later date. Comments will not be allowed on any matter on which staff has scheduled or will be scheduling stakeholder or similar meetings to solicit citizen input within 60 days, it being Council’s intent that such comments be made at such meetings. The Council is prohibited from deliberating or taking action on any subject not on the posted agenda. The Council may have the subject placed on an agenda for a future meeting or, if appropriate, have staff respond to your concerns. The time limit is three (3) minutes per speaker, not to exceed a total of thirty (30) minutes for all speakers.
- Public Hearings may be held throughout the regular agenda items and are usually required by Texas law. Speakers will not be permitted to speak about matters or present evidence which is not germane to the item being considered. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes for individuals. The rule allowing one person to speak for 10 people is suspended during the declaration to adhere to social distancing regulations. There is a cumulative limit of thirty (30) minutes for all those speaking in favor of an item and a like limit for those speaking in opposition. If needed, time limits may be extended with concurrence of Council. No person may speak twice to the same item until all persons wishing to speak have been recognized. A person will only be allowed to speak a second time when there is new evidence to present.
- Public Comment (regular agenda items) provide an opportunity for citizens to address the Council on matters which are scheduled on this agenda for consideration by the Council, but not scheduled as a public hearing. In order to address the Council during public comments, a Public Meeting Appearance Card must be completed and presented to the City Secretary at least one hour prior to the start of the Council meeting. Speakers must observe the three (3) minute time limit.