R-20-40CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN CITY COUNCIL MEETING PROCESSES
WHEREAS, members of the Fairfax City community, its elected officials, and City staff place
a high value on constructive and thoughtful debate on public issues and the City Council encourages all
citizens to present their views and ensures that everyone who wishes to speak will have an opportunity to
do so; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to conduct effective and efficient legislative meetings the City Council
regular meeting agenda includes an opportunity for comment on items not scheduled for public hearing as
well as opportunities to speak on items subject to public hearing; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby adopts the following
guidelines for citizen participation at City Council meetings:
1. Speakers are permitted a total of nine (9) minutes during any meeting, but no more than three (3)
minutes for any one agenda item.
2. Signs, placards, posters or like materials are not permitted in the Council Chambers, adjoining areas
or City offices, except in designated areas in conjunction with a legislative action under
consideration by City Council.
3. All materials in conjunction with presentations to the City Council shall be displayed at the front
area of Council Chambers near the podium and all digital materials must be reviewed by staff prior
to displaying for public consumption.
4. The use of profane, vulgar, obscene, or threatening speech is not permitted and can result in removal
from the meeting.
5. Speakers may not use Ianguage of a personal nature which insults or demeans any person or which,
when directed at a public official, is not related to his or her official duties.
b. Citizens should be respectful of others and limited time restraints and should avoid repetitive
continents. A statement of agreement with previous speakers will be appreciated and appropriate.
7. Citizens are encouraged to submit written comments on agenda items through the ConnecO button
on the City's Homepage fairfaxva.gov or through publichearings(a},fairfaxva.t;ov. .
8. The Mayor, or City Council by a majority vote, reserves the right to change these presentation rules.
Adopted: July 28, 2020
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The vote on the motion to approve was recorded as follows:
VOTE:
Councilmember Harmon Aye
Councilmember Lim
Aye
Councilmember Miller
Aye
Councilmember Ross
Aye
Councilmember Stehle
Aye
Councilmember Yi
Aye