3-31-2020 SPECIAL SESSION AGENDA CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
"COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME"
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR ROBERT M. "BOBBY"DYER,At Large
VICE MAYOR JAMES L.WOOD,Lynnhaven—District S p�
JESSICA P.ABBOTT,Kempsville—District 2 \
MICHAEL F.BERLUCCHI,Rose Hall—District 3
BARBARA M.HENLEY,Princess Anne—District 7 4
LOUIS R.JONES,Bayside—District 4
JOHND.MOSS,At Large .,
AARON R.ROUSE,At Inge °` °°.
GUY K.TOWER,Beach—District 6
ROSEMARY WILSON,At Large CITY HALL BUILDING
SABRINA D.WOOTEN,Centerville—District I 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE
CITY COUNCIL APPOINTEES VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23456-9005
PHONE:(757)385-4303
ACTING CITY MANAGER—THOMAS M.LEAHY
FAX(757)385-5669
CITY ATTORNEY—MARK D.STILES
CITY ASSESSOR—RONALD D.AGNOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA E-MAIL:CITYCOUNCIL@vbgov.com
CITY AUDITOR—LYNDONS.REMIAS SPECIAL MEETING
CITY CLERK—AMANDA BARNES
BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION MEANS
March 31,2020
MAYOR ROBERT M. "BOBBY" DYER
PRESIDING
I. SPECIAL MEETING BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION MEANS 6:00 PM
in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3)
A. CALL TO ORDER—Mayor Robert M. "Bobby"Dyer
1. READING OF THE MAYOR'S CALL FOR SPECIAL MEETING
B. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUl)TCIL
C. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
1. Ordinance to CONFIRM the Declaration of a Local Emergency re COVID-19 Pandemic
2. Ordinance to ENSURE the Continuity of Government during the COVID-19 Pandemic
3. Resolution to APPROVE a City Council Policy re remote participation by Council Members
in Council Meetings
4. Resolution to SUSPEND certain portions of the City Council Speaker Policy during the
COVID-19 Pandemic
D. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION -No Public Comment Will Be Taken
1. TAX RELIEF NECESSITATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
E. ADJOURNMENT
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Robert M."Bobby"Dyer MUNICIPAL CENTER
MAYOR March 26, 2020 BUILDING 1
2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE
VIRGINIA BEACH,VIRGINIA 23456-9000
(757)385-4581
CELL(757)749-4659
HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL bdyere, ov.co„
On March 12, 2020, Governor Northam declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19. Because
of the catastrophic nature of the declared emergency, it is impracticable and unsafe to assemble a
quorum of the City Council in a single location. In accordance with the Virginia Beach City Code
Section 2-21 and Virginia Code § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3), and by the authority vested in me as Mayor of
the City of Virginia Beach, I hereby call for a SPECIAL MEETING BY ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATION MEANS of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday,March 31, 2020
6:00 P.M.
In accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3), this SPECIAL MEETING BY
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION MEANS will be held virtually with Council Members
participating via video/audio conference. The purpose of this Special Meeting is for the City Council
to CONSIDER four (4) items to address the COVID-19 Pandemic emergency, as listed in detail in
the Special Meeting by Electronic Communication Means Agenda. Also, there will be a City Council
Discussion regarding Tax ReliefNecessitated by the COVID-19 Pandemic;although citizen comment
will be taken regarding the four resolutions and ordinances, as discussed in the next paragraph, no
citizen comments will be taken with respect to the Council discussion on tax relief
This Special Meeting will be broadcast on cable, vbgov.com and Facebook Live. Citizens are
encouraged to submit their comments to the City Council prior to the Special Meeting via email at
CitvCouncil@vbgov.com. Should a citizen wish to make comments during the Special Meeting, staff
will attempt to facilitate real-time citizen participation in the Special Meeting for those citizens who
register at https://vbgov.webex.com/vbgov/onstage/g.php?MTID=e871f2421f8196abfb20bee4e6e94208f
In addition to registration, any citizen wishing to make comments during the Special Meeting must
also register with the City Clerk's Office by calling (757) 385-4303 or via email at
ABarnes@a,vbgov.com prior to 5:30 p.m., March 31, 2020.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Dyer
Mayor
Cc: City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Deputy City Managers
FOIA Officer
Communications Office
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CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
AGENDA ITEM
ITEM: An Ordinance Confirming the Declaration of a Local Emergency Due to COVID-
19
MEETING DATE: March 31, 2020
■ Background: On March 13, 2020, effective at 3:00 p.m., Acting City Manager
Thomas M. Leahy issued a declaration of local emergency in response to the threat
posed by COVID-19. The declaration authorizes City agencies to take all reasonable
actions necessary to protect the health and safety of Virginia Beach residents and
visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Considerations: Virginia Code § 44-146.21 requires that the City Council
confirm the declaration of local emergency. The attached ordinance confirms the
declaration.
• Public Information: This meeting will be conducted virtually in accordance with
Virginia Code § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3). Citizens are encouraged to send their comments on
this item to the City Council prior to the meeting via email at CityCouncilavbgov.com.
• Attachments: Ordinance and Declaration of Local Emergency
Recommended Action: Approval
City Manager: /N-Z__
1 AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING THE DECLARATION OF A
2 LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19
3
4 WHEREAS, Virginia Code § 44-146.21 authorizes the local director of
5 emergency management to declare the existence of a local emergency, subject to
6 confirmation by the governing body; and
7
8 WHEREAS, in response to the imminent threat posed by COVID-19, Acting City
9 Manager Thomas M. Leahy issued a Declaration of Local Emergency on March 13,
10 2020, effective at 3:00 p.m.;
11
12 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
13 OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA:
14
15 That, pursuant to Virginia Code § 44-146.21, the City Council hereby confirms
16 the Declaration of Local Emergency issued on March 13, 2020, a copy of which is
17 attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
Adopted by the Council of the City of Virginia Beach on the day of
, 2020.
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: APPROVED AS TO LEGAL
SUFFICIENCY:
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City Manager's Office City Attorney's Office
CA15037
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March 16, 2020
DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
I, the undersigned, as Acting City Manager and Director of Emergency
Management for the City of Virginia Beach find the imminent threat posed by
COVID-19 to be of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant coordinated local
government action to better protect the health and safety of the City's residents and
visitors.
Therefore,pursuant to Code of Virginia § 44-146.21,as amended, I hereby
declare the existence of a Local Emergency in the City of Virginia Beach beginning
March 13, 2020 at 1500 hours.
In accordance with this Declaration,the Office of Emergency Management
and all other appropriate City agencies are hereby vested with, and authorized to
carry out,all powers,duties,and functions prescribed by State and local laws,rules,
regulations,and plans as may be necessary to adequately and appropriately respond
to said Local Emergency.
,IAOMAdM / LX,i(
Thomas M. Leahy, Acting City Manager&
Director of Emergency Management
-- / 3 -- 2c 20
(Date)
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CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
AGENDA ITEM
ITEM: An Ordinance to Ensure Continuity of Government During the COVID-19
Disaster
MEETING DATE: March 31, 2020
• Background: The City Manager has declared a local emergency in accordance
with state and local law due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Governor has issued a
declaration of emergency, and that declaration has characterized the COVID-19
Pandemic as a disaster. The Virginia Attorney General, by written opinion issued March
20, 2020, found the spread and effects of the COVID-19 virus constitute a disaster
within the meaning of Virginia Code § 15.2-1413. That section allows localities to adopt
an ordinance during a disaster for the continuity of government.
• Considerations: The duration of the COVID-19 Pandemic is currently
unknowable. The attached ordinance ensures continuity of government during this
disaster. Consistent with Virginia Code § 15.2-1413, the ordinance does not extend
beyond six months. This ordinance will enable further actions to be taken to best
protect the health, safety, and welfare of the City of Virginia Beach.
• Public Information: This meeting will be conducted virtually in accordance with
§ 2.2-3708.2(A)(3). Citizens are encouraged to send their comments on this item to the
City Council prior to the meeting via email at CityCouncil(a�vbgov.com.
• Recommendations: Adopt the attached ordinance.
• Attachments: Ordinance
Recommended Action: Approval
Submitting Department/Agency: Office of the City Manager
City Manager: 7z_
1 AN ORDINANCE TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF
2 GOVERNMENT DURING THE COVID-19 DISASTER
3
4 WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
5 in Executive Order Number Fifty-One, declared in response to the COVID-19 public
6 health emergency a state of emergency and disaster within the Commonwealth of
7 Virginia, in accordance with Virginia Code § 44-146.16;
8
9 WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the City Manager, as Director of Emergency
10 Management, declared a local emergency;
11
12 WHEREAS, the impacts to public health, the City's economy, and the operation of
13 the City government are likely to be protracted and could last several months;
14
15 WHEREAS, there are actions which must be taken by the City in the next several
16 months which will, by law, require the action of the City Council but may not be conducted
17 in a physical setting because of the COVID-19 Pandemic; and
18
19 WHEREAS, Virginia Code§ 15.2-1413 provides that"notwithstanding any contrary
20 provision of law, general or special, any locality, may, by ordinance, provide a method to
21 assure continuity in its government, in the event of an enemy attack or other disaster.
22 Such ordinance shall be limited in its effect to a period not exceeding six months after any
23 such enemy attack or disaster and shall provide for a method of resumption of normal
24 governmental authority by the end of the six-month period";
25
26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
27 OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, THAT:
28
29 1. The City Council finds the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic is a disaster for
30 purposes of§ 15.2-1413 of the Code of Virginia.
31
32 2. The City Council will meet in person when practicable, but because of the
33 possible exposure of meeting participants to the COVID-19 virus, the Council
34 may meet electronically, subject to the following restrictions. Such electronic
35 meetings must be conducted in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-
36 3708.2(A)(3), and the subject of such meetings may be only matters related to
37 the emergency or where a failure to act by the Council would result in
38 irrevocable public harm. Whether any particular action by the Council fits within
39 the description in the preceding sentence and the Virginia Code requirements
40 is a fact-specific determination to be made in consultation with the City
41 Attorney. Notices for such meetings shall be made on the City's website.
42 Meetings shall be conducted in a format that enables citizens to both observe
43 and, if practicable, participate in such meetings electronically.
44
45 3. Other City boards and commissions may meet electronically as necessary, but
46 any such meeting shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Virginia Code
47 § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3) and in Section 2, supra.
48
49 4. The Council directs that any City meeting—other than meetings of public
50 bodies, which are addressed above—be held electronically in lieu of physical
51 gatherings if feasible. Public bid openings required by the Virginia Public
52 Procurement Act shall be held telephonically or electronically. Instructions on
53 how to participate shall be distributed prior to the start of any such meeting or
54 bid opening.
55
56 5. The provisions of this ordinance shall expire upon declaration by the Governor
57 that the emergency in the Commonwealth is ended, or on September 30, 2020,
58 whichever is earlier.
59
Adopted by the Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, on the day
of , 2020.
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
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Office of the City Manager City Attorney's Office
CA 15043
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March 24, 2020
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CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
AGENDA ITEM
ITEM: A Resolution Adopting a Policy for Remote Participation by Councilmembers in
Council Meetings
MEETING DATE: March 31, 2020
• Background: The Virginia Freedom of Information Act("FOIA")authorizes the City
Council to adopt a policy to allow remote participation by one or more councilmembers in
City Council meetings, so long as a quorum of the Council is physically assembled at the
meeting location. The policy would authorize a member to participate in the meeting from
a remote location if: (1) the member is unable to attend the meeting due to a temporary
or permanent disability or other medical condition that prevents the member's physical
attendance ("medical reason"); or (2) the member is unable to attend due to a personal
matter, and the member identifies with specificity the nature of the personal matter
("personal reason"). Participation for a personal reason is limited to twice per year.
The policy requires that arrangements be made for the voice of the remote participant to
be heard by all persons at the primary meeting location. The reason the member is unable
to attend the meeting and the remote location from which the member participates would
be recorded in the meeting minutes. If the reason for the remote participation is for a
medical reason, the minutes would include a statement that a temporary or permanent
disability or other medical condition prevented the member's physical appearance at the
primary meeting location. If instead the member is unable to attend due to a personal
reason, the minutes must include the specific nature of the personal matter.
• Considerations: This resolution adopts the Policy for Remote Participation by
Councilmembers in Council Meetings. Adoption of this resolution is necessary to address
the COVID-19 public health emergency because it will enable councilmembers who meet
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "at risk" criteria and thus need the ability
to participate in meetings remotely to do so. A different FOIA provision authorizes virtual
meetings, with no quorum physically assembled, when the Governor has declared a state
of emergency, but those meetings are limited to consideration of actions and agenda
items to address the emergency. Adoption of this policy would allow councilmembers to
remotely participate in a regular Council meeting during which agenda items that are not
directly tied to the emergency could be considered.
• Public Information: This meeting will be conducted virtually in accordance with
Virginia Code § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3). Citizens are encouraged to send their comments on
this item to the City Council prior to the meeting via email at CityCouncil@vbgov.com.
• Attachments: Resolution and Policy.
Requested by City Council
REQUESTED BY CITY COUNCIL
1 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A POLICY FOR REMOTE
2 PARTICIPATION BY COUNCILMEMBERS IN COUNCIL
3 MEETINGS
4
5 WHEREAS, the City Manager has declared a local emergency in response to the
6 COVID-19 Pandemic;
7
8 WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") has issued
9 guidance that identifies persons as "at risk", including persons age 65 and older and
10 persons of any age with heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, asthma, or other
11 specified conditions, and this list may be revised as more is learned about the novel
12 coronavirus;
13
14 WEHREAS, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") authorizes public
15 bodies such as the City Council to adopt a policy to authorize remote participation by
16 one or more councilmembers in City Council meetings, so long as a quorum of the City
17 Council is physically assembled at the primary meeting location;
18
19 WHEREAS, among other things, adoption of such a policy would enable
20 councilmembers who meet the CDC's "at risk" criteria or are otherwise unable to attend
21 a Council meeting due to a temporary or permanent disability or other medical condition
22 that prevents the member's physical attendance to participate remotely in the Council
23 meeting; and
24
25 WHEREAS, adoption of the attached remote participation policy is needed to
26 enable all Councilmembers to participate in Council meetings while enabling members
27 who are at risk to heed the CDC's guidance and participate in meetings remotely;
28
29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
30 OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, THAT:
31
32 In order to address the COVID-19 emergency, the City Council hereby adopts the
33 attached Policy for Remote Participation by Councilmembers in Council Meetings.
34
35 Adopted by the City Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia on the
36 day of , 2020.
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
City Attorney's Office -
CA1504 R-1 March 24, 2020
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Title: Policy for Remote Participation by Councilmembers in Council Meetings
Date of Adoption: Dates of Revisions: Page 1 of 2
1.0 Purpose and Need
The purpose of this policy is to enable members of City Council to participate in City Council
meetings remotely, by electronic communication means, in accordance with the Virginia Freedom
of Information Act.
2.0 Policy
It is the policy of the Virginia Beach City Council that individual members of the Council may
participate in Council meetings by electronic means as permitted by Virginia Code §2.2-3708.2 or
its successor provision. This policy shall apply to the entire membership and without regard to the
identity of the member requesting remote participation or the matters that will be considered or
voted on at the meeting.
2.1 The Request and Eligibility Criteria
Whenever an individual member wishes to participate from a remote location, the member shall
notify the Mayor and Clerk on or preferably before the day of the meeting that (1) the member is
unable to attend the meeting due to a temporary or permanent disability or other medical condition
that prevents the member's physical attendance("medical reason"); or(2)the member is unable to
attend due to a personal matter and the member identifies with specificity the nature of the personal
matter ("personal reason"). Participation for a personal reason is limited to two meetings per
calendar year.
2.2 Quorum and Minutes Requirements
A quorum of the Council must be physically assembled at the primary meeting location in order to
enable remote participation by a member, and arrangements must be made for the voice of the
remote participant to be heard by all persons at the primary meeting location.
The reason that the member is unable to attend the meeting and the remote location from which
the member participates shall be recorded in the meeting minutes. If the reason for the remote
participation is for a medical reason, the minutes shall include a statement that a temporary or
permanent disability or other medical condition prevented the member's physical appearance at
the primary meeting location. While the fact that a disability or medical condition prevents the
member's physical attendance must be recorded in the minutes, it is not required to identify the
specific disability or medical condition. If instead the member is unable to attend due to a personal
reason, the minutes must include the specific nature of the personal matter.
2.3 Challenges
If a member's proposed participation from a remote location is challenged by another member as
being inconsistent with this policy, then the Council shall vote on whether to allow such
participation. If the Council votes to disapprove the member's remote participation because such
Title: Policy for Remote Participation by Councilmembers in Council Meetings
Date of Adoption: Dates of Revisions: Page 2 of 2
participation would violate this policy, such disapproval shall be recorded in the minutes with
specificity.
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CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
AGENDA ITEM
ITEM: A Resolution to Suspend Certain Portions of the City Council Speaker Policy
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
MEETING DATE: March 31, 2020
• Background: After the issuance by the Governor of Executive Order 53,
gatherings of more than 10 persons have been prohibited. There are exclusions in the
Executive Order, including one for the operation of government. As an elected body
with eleven members, the City Council would exceed the 10-person limit by gathering its
membership. The City Council desires to suspend certain portions of the City Council
Speaker Policy to allow the Council to balance public participation and the need for
social distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Considerations: Although Executive Order 53 does not limit the operation of
government, the attached resolution seeks to facilitate limited participation in those
instances during the COVID-19 Pandemic when the Council is able to have an in-
person meeting.
• Public Information: This meeting will be conducted virtually in accordance with
Virginia Code § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3). Citizens are encouraged to send their comments on
this item to the City Council prior to the meeting via email at CityCouncil(a�vbgov.com.
• Recommendations: Adopt the attached resolution.
• Attachments: Resolution; City Council Speaker Policy
Recommended Action: Approval
Submitting Department: Office of the City Manager
City Manager:
1 A RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND CERTAIN PORTIONS OF
2 THE CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER POLICY DURING THE
3 COVID-19 PANDEMIC
4
5 WHEREAS, the City Manager has declared a local emergency during the current
6 COVID-19 Pandemic (the "Local Emergency");
7
8 WHEREAS, the President and the Governor have provided guidance that
9 gatherings should be limited to 10 persons or less, and the Governor has issued
10 Executive Order 53 prohibiting public or private gatherings of 10 persons or more;
11
12 WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a speaker policy (the "City Council
13 Speaker Policy")to provide guidance for public input during City Council Formal Meetings,
14 and a copy of the current policy is attached hereto;
15
16 WHEREAS, the City Council values the input of the public and, during the Local
17 Emergency, is exploring possibilities for public input without the physical gathering of
18 persons in the City Council Chambers; and
19
20 WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend its City Council Speaker Policy for
21 the duration of the Local Emergency in furtherance of the Council's exercise of powers
22 pertinent to health, peace, and good order;
23
24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
25 VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA THAT:
26
27 1. For the duration of the Local Emergency, the City Council enacts the following
28 temporary changes to the City Council Speaker Policy:
29 a. Section 2.2 Regular Agenda Items is suspended;
30 b. Section 2.3 Comment on Non-Agenda Items is suspended.
31
32 2. Nothing herein shall be construed as denying participation in a public hearing when
33 state or federal law requires the opportunity of persons to address the Council such
34 as the consideration of planning items, the budget and related revenue ordinances,
35 authorization of bonds, lease or sale of City property, and the authorization of
36 franchises.
37
38 3. The City Council urges residents to provide written comments to the City Clerk in
39 lieu of being present at a public hearing.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, on this
day of , 2020.
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APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
City Attorney's Office
CA15040
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March 24, 2020
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City Council Policy
Title: Time Limits for Speakers at City Council Meetings
Date of Adoption:March 11,2003 Dates of Revisions:September 14,2004 Page 1 of 3
March 27,2007
February 12,2008
March 24,2009
1.0 Purpose and Need
The purpose of this policy is to provide reasonable,workable time limits for speakers at City Council
meetings.The need for such a policy was determined by the City Council at its retreat on February
18, 2003. The policy is intended to recognize and accommodate the mutual interests of persons
desiring to speak at City Council meetings, the value to the City Council of public comment, and
the need for the City Council to conduct business in an orderly, expeditious manner.
This policy shall not apply to the discussion of agenda items by members of the City Council during
City Council meetings or to City Staff members acting in such capacity.
2.0 Time Limits
2.1 Planning Agenda Items
(a) Planning Agenda items include rezonings, conditional zonings, conditional use permits, land
use plan approvals, code and Comprehensive Plan amendments, nonconforming use resolutions,
street closures and any other items for which a public hearing is required pursuant to Chapter 22
of Title 15 of the Virginia Code.
(b)The applicant, or representative of the applicant(generally, an attorney, professional engineer
or other professional retained by the applicant) shall be allowed ten minutes for his or her initial
presentation and an additional three minutes for rebuttal if any opponents of the application have
spoken.
(1) If there is more than one applicant(as,for example,when both the property owner and
proposed developer are applicants) or if the applicant and representative both desire to
speak,only one of them shall be allowed to speak for ten minutes. Upon request, however,
the presiding officer may allow them to divide their time equally, so long as the total time
of their initial presentation does not exceed ten minutes.
(2)Speakers addressing the City Council in a representative capacity shall not be allowed
additional time in which to speak on his or her own behalf.
(c) All other persons speaking in support of the application shall be allowed three minutes, and
shall not be entitled to speak in rebuttal of any opposition comments.
(d) Opponents of an application shall be allowed three minutes each. In the event the opponents
are represented by an attorney, engineer or other professional whose profession includes, as a
customary part thereof, appearing before governmental bodies in a representative capacity, such
Title: Time Limits for Speakers at City Council Meetings
Date of Adoption: March 11,2003 Dates of Revisions: September 14,2004 Page 2 of 3
March 27,2007
February 12,2008
March 24,2009
representative shall be allowed ten minutes. In such cases, persons represented shall be
encouraged not to provide additional comments.
(1)Only one speaker in opposition to the application shall be allowed ten minutes to speak.
If there is more than one representative described in subsection(d), only one of them shall
be allowed to speak for ten minutes. Upon request, however, the presiding officer may
allow them to divide their time equally, so long as the total time of their presentation does
not exceed ten minutes.
(e) Opponents of an application shall not be entitled to address the City Council in rebuttal of any
statements or other material provided to the City Council during the applicant's rebuttal.
2.2 Regular Agenda Items
(a) Regular agenda items include all other agenda items at which public comment is allowed.
(b) Each speaker, whether or not in a representative capacity, shall be allowed three minutes.
2.3 Comment on Non-Agenda Items
(a) Time shall be allotted after the conclusion of the first formal session of each month for non-
televised public comments on non-agenda items.
(b) Each speaker, whether or not in a representative capacity, shall be allowed three(3) minutes.
(c) No more than three (3) speakers may speak on the same non-agenda topic at the same
meeting. The first three(3) speakers who register with the City Clerk will be called to speak.
(d) If more than three(3)speakers request an opportunity to speak on the same non-agenda topic,
the City Clerk shall deny the request and advise those persons of the limits contained in this policy.
The City Clerk shall also advise such persons that comments may be submitted at writing at any
time for distribution to City Council and that citizens are welcome to contact the City Clerk's Office
to register in advance to speak at the following month's meeting.
3.0 Timekeeping; Written Material
(a)The City Clerk shall keep time for each speaker in accordance with the provisions of Section 2,
and shall verbally notify the speaker and presiding officer at the expiration of the time allowed for
each speaker.
(b) Written comments or other material may be tendered to the City Clerk by any person desiring
to do so.
Title: Time Limits for Speakers at City Council Meetings
Date of Adoption: March 11,2003 Dates of Revisions: September 14,2004 Page 2 of 3
March 27,2007
February 12,2008
March 24,2009
4.0 Modification of Time Limits
(a)The presiding officer,with the consent of the City Council, may extend or reduce any of the time
limits set forth in Section 2.
(b) The time limits for speakers set forth in Section 2 shall be exclusive of the time taken in
responding to questions of members of the City Council.
5.0 Registration of Speakers
Any person desiring to address the Council shall register with the City Clerk prior to the opening of
the meeting. The inadvertent failure to do so shall not, however, disqualify any person from
speaking.
6.0 Public Notice of Policy
In accordance with City Code Section 2-41, this policy shall be included on the City's internet web
site, posted outside of the City Council Chambers, and published in the City Council agenda for
each regular meeting.