(a) The “Public Forum” portion of the agenda shall be dedicated to allowing the public at large to speak on issues pertaining to City business at each regular Council meeting.
(Ord. 2017-88. Passed 11-28-17.)
(b) Citizens desiring to speak at the “Public Forum” portion of the agenda must call the Clerk of Council’s office by 12:00 p.m. the Tuesday of the City Council meeting. The individual must give the Clerk of Council his or her name, home address and the specific subject matter on which he or she intends to speak. This rule shall not apply to any government agency nor shall it apply to the vote by Council prior to the adoption of any Ordinance or Resolution after a third reading of said Ordinance or Resolution.
(Ord. 2021-32. Passed 5-11-21.)
(c) During the “Public Forum” each speaker shall identify him or herself by name, home address and shall state the subject matter on which he or she intends to speak. Each speaker shall direct his or her comments to the Presiding Officer.
(d) All speakers shall observe all rules of the decorum as described in Roberts Rules of Order. No debate, disrespect or obscenities shall be tolerated. The Presiding Officer shall rule any such individual out of order.
(e) The Presiding Officer may refer any matter raised by speaker as follows:
(1) Any legislative questions may be answered by the appropriate Councilman or Council Committee Chairman;
(2) Any administrative questions may be answered by the Mayor, the City Manager or by the appropriate administrative officer or staff member;
(3) Any other questions may be disposed of at the discretion of the Presiding Officer.
(f) Council members, other elected officials and administrative officers and representatives shall not debate public speakers and shall only answer questions as directed by the Presiding Officer.
(g) The total length of time that any speaker may appear before Council during any “Public Comment” session shall be a total of five minutes, which shall include all the participation by Council members, elected officials and administrative representatives.
(Ord. 2017-88. Passed 11-28-17.)