Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Audience Participation
Audience participation is encouraged at all Council meetings. There are two opportunities during the regular Council meetings
(identified as "Audience Comment" on the agenda) for citizens to address the Council on any subject matter. Comments are
limited to five minutes per speaker. The first audience comment is limited in duration to 30 minutes.
During the first audience comment period, citizens may request Council to suspend the regular order of business and advance
to any item, such as a pending committee report or agenda item, which may not otherwise be presented until much later in
the meeting.
• Purpose: What is the idea you wish to present? Begin with an "I" statement outlining your idea, such as, "I am here to
(support/oppose)..."
• Reason: Why are you making this point? This is an important step so the listener does not misunderstand your motives.
• Example: A brief and relevant example will clarify and make your point.
• Summary: What condition will be changed or improved if your point is adopted?
• Action: (If appropriate, depending on the situation.) What needs to be done and who will do it?