HomeMy WebLinkAboutAmendment-Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council 03-04-2026 CCResolution Authorizing Public Petitioning at Committee of the Whole Meetings
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the importance of public participation in municipal
governance and affirms the right of residents and other interested persons to petition their
elected representatives on matters over which the council has authority, influence, funding
responsibility, or formal policy position; and
WHEREAS, the Committee of the Whole serves as a forum for discussion, deliberation, and
policy development prior to formal legislative action by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, allowing petitioning at Committee of the Whole meetings will enhance
transparency, improve public understanding of issues under consideration, and assist Council
Members in their deliberations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council retains the authority to establish reasonable, content-neutral rules
governing public participation in order to ensure the orderly and efficient conduct of meetings,
including the restriction of public comment to matters pertaining to city business,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Common Council amend the Rules of Procedure
II.5. as shown in appendix A.
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Appendix A:
11.(5) Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council
Whereas democracy relies upon the participation of elected officials and constituents alike, at
the beginning of each Common Council meeting, the Common Council shall provide 60 minutes
of public comment, or such other amount of time as the Chair may permit on the meeting
agenda. At the beginning of each Committee of the Whole Meeting, the Common Council shall
provide 30 minutes of public comment, or such other amount of time as the Chair may permit on
the meeting agenda. The time shall be allotted for those nonmembers who wish to express their
views on anything pertaining to City business. Persons not members of Common Council shall
be accorded the privilege of the floor and be permitted to speak for three minutes in regards to
matters within the scope of the powers of Common Council. No petitioner may transfer unused
time to another speaker, and all remarks shall be addressed to the presiding officer. All persons
speaking before Council will observe the Rules of Order posted in Common Council Chambers
(See Section III(d)).
Common Council
03-04-2026
Consent Agenda
Carried Unanimously 11-0