Because we usually have busy agendas and a lot of business to get through, we need to have some rules so that the meeting can be completed at a reasonable hour.   Your cooperation is very much appreciated.  The State Ralph M. Brown Act guarantees the public's right to address the City Council, within the framework of these rules.

The Council can only take action on items that are listed on the agenda.   If you wish to speak to us about an item not on the agenda, the "Public Comments" section of the agenda is for you.  We will take such comments until no later than 7:45 p.m., when we will move on to agenda items.  There is another opportunity for public comments at the end of the meeting.

If you wish to speak, either during "public comments" or during an agenda item, fill out a Speaker Request Card and hand it to the City Clerk.  This will enable us to call upon you to speak.

Each speaker is limited to not more than three (3) minutes under Public Comments and three (3) minutes on non-public hearing agenda items.  During public hearings, each side is entitled to one "main presenter" who may have not more than 10 minutes; all other speakers during a public hearing item are entitled to a maximum of five (5) minutes.  No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during "public comments."  Groups who are here regarding an item may identify themselves by raising their hands at the appropriate time to show support for one of their speakers.

During certain types of hearings, the applicant is allowed to give his or her presentation first.  After all testimony is received, the applicant has an opportunity for rebuttal.

After having heard from the public, I will close each agenda item.   Deliberations will then be limited to members of the City Council.

If the meeting appears to be going late, the City Council may decide to continue some items until a subsequent meeting.  We will try to make this determination around 10:00 p.m.  It is our goal to stop discussing agenda items by not later than 11:00 p.m.

The "Consent Calendar" is a group of items which our staff thinks may be routine.  These items are usually considered all together and approved without further discussion.  If you are opposed to action which is recommended for an item on the "Consent Calendar," please let me know at that part of the agenda, and we will remove that item from the "Consent Calendar."  Some items removed from the "Consent Calendar" may be considered at the end of the meeting.