Governing Body Rule 5.5
(c) Public Comment on a specific agenda item: Comments from members of the public concerning a specific agenda item will be heard at the time the item is considered. Persons will be limited to addressing the governing body one (1) time on a particular matter unless otherwise allowed by a vote of six (6) or more members of the governing body.
(d) General public comment: Requests by members of the public to speak during the public comment portion of a regular governing body meeting will be placed on the agenda on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The request should state the name of the individual(s) desiring to be heard. Each such individual shall be limited to addressing the governing body one (1) time and his or her comments shall be limited to topics directly relevant to business of the governing body; provided however, that comments pertaining to personnel and litigation matters shall not be allowed.
Procedures for Addressing the Governing Body
In accordance with Governing Body Rules 5.6 and 5.7, the following protocols for public comment apply:
- Each person shall state his or her name and city of residence in an audible tone for the record.
- All remarks shall be addressed to the Governing Body as a whole -- not to any individual member.
- In order to provide additional time for as many individuals as possible to address the Governing Body, each individual signed up to speak will need to complete his or her comments within four minutes.
The following behavior will not be tolerated from any speaker:
- Uttering fighting words
- Slander
- Speeches invasive of the privacy of individuals (no mention of names) Unreasonably Loud Speech
- Repetitious Speech or Debate
- Speeches so disruptive of proceedings that the legislative process is substantially interrupted
Any speaker who engages in this type of behavior will be warned once by the presiding office (Mayor). If the behavior continues, the speaker will be ordered to cease his or her behavior. If the speaker persists in interfering with the ability of the Governing Body to carry out its function, he or she will be removed from the City Council Chambers or Zoom meeting room.
Members of the public, Governing Body and staff are expected to treat one another with respect at all times.
Zoom Meeting Protocol
- Make sure your Zoom name, email and/or phone number matches what was submitted to the City Clerk when you signed up for public comment. Any misnamed or unauthorized users will not be admitted to Zoom.
- Please keep your mic muted and your camera off until you are called by the Mayor to give your comment.
- If you are cut off during your comment time due to an internet connection or technical issue, you will need to submit your comments in writing to the City Clerk at cclerk@topeka.orgor 215 SE 7thStreet, Room 012B, Topeka, KS 66603 for attachment to the minutes.
- If you break any of the public comment rules, you will receive one warning from the Mayor. If you continue any prohibited behavior, you will be removed from the Zoom meeting room and will not be allowed to rejoin.
- Public comment is limited to four minutes. You may receive an extension at the discretion of the Governing Body. The timer will be visible to you in the ‘City of Topeka Admin’ window on the Zoom app. Call-in users will hear one beep when a minute is remaining and then another beep when time has expired.
- Please do not share the Zoom login information with anyone. Any unauthorized users will not be admitted to the Zoom meeting room.