Chapter Three – Meeting Protocol (Cont.)
3.3.3 Addressing the Commission/Committee from the Floor Securing Permission to Speak A member of the public desiring to address a commission or committee shall first secure permission from the Chairperson. Any commission or committee member may also request of the Chairperson that a member of the public be recognized to speak. Remarks should be directed to the matter being considered. Individuals So that their identities are accurately reported in the record, those addressing the commission or committee are requested to give their name in an audible tone of voice and fill out a request to speak provided for that purpose. However, persons shall not be denied the opportunity to address the commission or committee simply because they decline to identify themselves or submit a request to speak. The time limit for public testimony shall be as noted in City Council Policies and Procedures, and as stated in the agenda, which may be amended by the Chairperson or a majority of the commission or committee. All remarks shall be addressed to the commission or committee as a whole and not to any individual member or to members of the audience. No person, other than a member of the commission or committee, and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion without the permission of the Chairperson. While commission or committee members may ask questions of a speaker, they should not debate matters with a speaker. All remarks shall be delivered in a respectful manner. Spokesperson for Group Presentations Organized groups that wish to make a presentation longer than the time allowed for public testimony should contact commission or committee staff prior to the meeting. Exceptions to time limits imposed upon speakers are at the discretion of the Chairperson or a majority of the commission or committee.
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