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


During each meeting, the Governing Council (Council)/Committees conduct a “Call to the Public” (CTP). This is the time when members of the public may address the Council/Committees on Council business in general or on a published agenda item. Any individual or group desiring to address the Council/Committee at a meeting shall 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 must be included with the form.
  2. All remarks should be made from the podium or designated location and be addressed to the Council/Committee as a body, not to any individual member.
  3. Individual’s comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. Speakers should stay on the subject.
  4. A maximum of ten (10) minutes will be set aside for each agenda item on which the public comment has been requested..
  5. The Council/Committee will make reasonable attempts to hear any differing viewpoints.
  6. No individual will be permitted to relinquish her/his time to another person.
  7. Individuals may not address staff or other members of the public.
  8. Only persons recognized by the Chairman shall be permitted to address the Council/Committee.
  9. Rudeness, vulgarity or remarks disrespecting the personal dignity of any individual will not be permitted.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.01(H), the Council/Committee 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/Committee members may respond to criticism.

I have read the “Call to the Public” Procedure above and would like to address the Council/Committee

Request forms should be turned into the Assistant Clerk before the Chairman makes a Call to the Public at the beginning of the meeting.