Governing Council “Call to the Public” Request to Speak Form and Guidelines

During each meeting, the Governing Council (Council) conducts a “Call to the Public” (CTP).  This is the time when members of the public may address the Governing Council business or on a published agenda item.  Any individual or group desiring to address the Governing Council at a Governing Council meeting must comply with the following procedure:

  1. The individual or group must complete and submit a signed Request to Speak form (provided below) before the Chairman makes a Call to the Public at the beginning of the meeting.  Any written materials for the Council must be included with the form.
  2. All remarks will be made from the podium or designated location and be addressed to the Council as a body, not to any individual Board member.
  3. Individual’s comments will be limited to three (3) minutes.  Speakers should stay on the subject and return to their seat once their time is up.
  4. A maximum of ten (10) minutes will be set aside for each agenda item on which the public comment has been requested.  If more than three requests have been submitted to provide comments on an agenda item, the Chair may either increase the maximum time set aside for the agenda item or reduce the time for each requested public comment on the agenda item in order to satisfy the ten (10) minute requirement.
  5. No individual will be permitted to relinquish her/his time to another person.
  6. Individuals may not address staff or other members of the public.
  7. Only persons recognized by the Chairman will be permitted to address the Council.
  8. Rudeness, vulgarity, threatening comments and disorderly and disruptive behavior, such as with boos, cheers or applause from the audience will not be permitted.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.01(H), the Council may not discuss items that are not specifically identified on the agenda.  Therefore, any action taken as a result of public comment will be limited to responding to criticism, directing staff to review the matter or adding the item to a future agenda.  Council members may respond to criticism.

I have read the “Call to the Public” Procedure above and want to address the Council.