Neighbors Participation at Meetings

Public Comment Procedures

Neighbor Comments and Public Hearing
There are three opportunities provided for members of the public to provide input.

• Neighbor Comments
  • Applies to anyone wishing to speak on any topic NOT listed on the meeting agenda.
• Neighbor Comments on Agenda Items
  • Applies to anyone wishing to provide feedback on an item listed on the meeting agenda.
• Public Hearing
  • Applies to anyone wishing to express an opinion or concern on a public hearing scheduled on the meeting agenda.

How to Submit Public Comment
Public comment for business meetings is available in-person.

• The public may make comments in person during the designated section of a meeting by completing Public Comment Card and submitting it to the City Secretary or City Staff before the meeting begins.

Time Limits

• All speakers are limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes each. 
• The Presiding Officer has the authority to extend or limit any of the time allocations based on the complexity of the item/topic and the number of persons wishing to speak on the item/topic with consideration to equal time for all sides of the matter and efficiency of the meeting. All public comments on agenda items will be heard prior to deliberation of the item as designated under the Public Comments on Agenda Items section.

Repetitious Comments/Designation of Spokesperson

• A speaker shall not present the same or substantially the same items or arguments repeatedly or be repetitious in presenting their oral comments.
• In order to expedite matters and avoid repetitious presentations, the designation of a spokesperson is encouraged. Whenever any group of individuals wishes to address the Council, Board or Commission on the same subject matter, those individuals are encouraged to designate a spokesperson to address the governing body. The Presiding Officer has the authority to extend the time allocation for a designated spokesperson.

Display and Distribution of Materials at Business Meetings

• Speakers are prohibited from displaying materials or information. Written materials may be provided at the meeting. Ten(10) copies shall be provided to the City Staff.
• Petitions will only be acknowledged in accordance with the City Charter or State law. Otherwise, petitions will be accepted with a Public Comment Card and noted for the record.

No Deliberation
Comments should be directed to the Governing Body. The Texas Open Meetings Act prohibits the Governing Body from discussing or taking action on items that are not posted on the agenda. The Presiding Officer or City Staff may provide specific factual information, recite an existing policy, refer the matter or speaker to a City Staff person, or schedule the item for discussion on a future agenda in response to the public comments.

Waiver of Rules
Any of the foregoing rules may be waived or suspended by a majority vote of the Governing Body present when it is deemed that there is good cause to do so, based upon the particular facts and circumstances involved.

Non Exclusive Rules
These rules are not exclusive and do not limit the inherent power and legal authority of the Governing Body, or of its presiding officer, to govern the conduct of business meetings as may be considered appropriate from time to time, or in particular circumstances, for purposes of orderly and effective conduct of the affairs of the City.