Speaking Before the Council Information


RESOLUTION NO. R2022-25


CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AT MEETINGS

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

At the beginning of public meetings, the agenda will include the item “Public Comment.” During this time, citizens may address the City Council on any subject matter, including those listed on the agenda. Speaker comments are limited to a total of three minutes per speaker regardless of the number of agenda items to be addressed.  During Public Comment, the City Council may not deliberate any item not listed on the agenda; as such, the City Council will listen to public comment and may (i) refer the item to City Management for further action or (ii) direct staff for the placement of the item on a future agenda.


PUBLIC HEARING

If an item on the meeting agenda provides for a Public Hearing, a person wishing to make comments on the subject of a Public Hearing will be given an opportunity to speak at the time of the Public Hearing. Speaker comments for public hearings are limited to a total of five minutes per speaker.

 

TIME CLOCK

A countdown timer is provided on the podium. The time clock at the podium will keep time for the speaker and will flash a yellow light when there are 30-seconds remaining on the allotted time.  Speakers should begin wrapping up their comments at that time.  The time clock will flash a red light and emit a beeping sound when the time has expired.  

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

All speakers shall comply with the City Council’s rules of decorum, which include:
  • Address all comments and questions to the Presiding Officer,
  • No personal attacks,
  • No unauthorized remarks/yelling from audience, and
  • No stamping of feet, applauding or whistling.

SPEAKER INSTRUCTIONS

Should you have questions concerning the procedure or the Speaker Registration Form, please contact the City Secretary’s Office.

 

  • Fill out a "Speaker Registration Form."
  • Submit form to the City Secretary prior to the beginning of the meeting.
  • In situations where a large number of citizens representing a certain delegation  wish to speak, the group is encouraged to designate a spokesperson to present the group's comments.
  • When recognized by the Mayor or Presiding Officer, approach the podium.
  • Clearly state your name and address before beginning the presentation.
  • A copy of any documentation you wish to distribute at the meeting must be provided to the City Secretary for the official record, total of (9) paper copies. Electronic versions of information will not be displayed at the meeting.

YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT

The City of Friendswood City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Councilmembers, elected at large for three-year terms.  Generally, the City Council enacts local legislation, establishes policy, and approves the budget.

AGENDA: Items to be considered or discussed at public meetings are listed on an Agenda, which is posted in the City Hall bulletin boards and on the city website at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Supporting information for each agenda item is provided via the agenda packet that is posted to the city website: www.ci.friendswood.tx.us

INTERNET MEETING BROADCAST: The City Council meetings can be accessed on the city website: www.ci.friendswood.tx.us; and on City of Friendswood YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityofFriendswoodTV/featured

INFORMATION ON COUNCIL, BOARD & COMMISSION MEETINGS


CITY COUNCIL:  Meetings typically begin between 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.

  • Regular Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month.
  • Special Meetings may be called as deemed necessary.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  The City Council, appoints citizens to various boards and commissions.   Interested citizens are encouraged to submit an application for consideration.  An application is available on the city website: www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/282/Committees-Boards-Commissions;  or contact the City Secretary’s office.


910 South Friendswood Drive

Friendswood, Texas 77546-4856

Phone: (281) 996-3270        Fax: (281) 482-1634

http://www.friendswood.com