R-23-02RESOLUTION NO. R-23-02
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
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 strives to ensure that everyone who wishes to speak at regular meetings
of the City Council will have a reasonable 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 general public comment on items not scheduled for
public hearing as well as opportunities to speak on items subject to public hearing, in each case subject to
the guidelines set forth in this resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby adopts the following
guidelines for public participation at regular meetings of the City Council:
1. There is no residency requirement to speak at a regular meeting of the City Council; however,
priority may be given to City residents and City business owners.
2. Individuals may sign up to speak at a regular City Council meeting by filling out a City Council
Speaker's Slip (as prepared by the City Clerk), or by calling the City Clerk's office at least two
(2) hours prior to any regular City Council meeting and providing the information on the City
Council Speaker's Slip. Individuals wishing to speak at a regular meeting of the City Council
who do not fill out, or are unwilling to fill out, a City Council Speaker's Slip may be allowed to
speak, in the Mayor's discretion, after all other speakers, but such individuals must provide the
information on the City Council Speaker's Slip at the commencement of their remarks.
3. Speakers are permitted a maximum of three (3) minutes for any one agenda item requiring a
public hearing at any regular meeting and a maximum of three (3) minutes under the general
public comment period (for any items not otherwise requiring a public hearing at that meeting).
4. The use of profane, vulgar, obscene, or threatening speech is not permitted and may result in
removal from the meeting.
a. Speakers may not use language of a personal nature which insults or demeans any person
or which, when directed at a public official or City staff, is not directly related to his or
her official duties.
5. Speakers should be respectful of other opinions and viewpoints expressed at the meeting and
should not make audible expressions of support (i.e. applause) or expressions of opposition
during meetings. Speakers should also strive to avoid repetitive comments. Simple statements of
endorsement of previous speakers are appreciated and appropriate.
6. Citizens are encouraged to submit advance written comments on agenda items requiring a public
hearing through the ecomment button on the upcoming agenda or through
publichearings(a),fairfaxva gov. Such advance comments will be made a part of any required
public record.
7. The City Council, by a majority vote, reserves the right to temporarily or permanently change
these participation guidelines.
Adopted: January 10, 2023
Mayor
Attest:
The vote on the motion to approve was recorded as follows:
VOTE:
Councilmember Bates
Aye
Councilmember Doyle Feingold
Aye
Councilmember Greenfield
Aye
Councilmember Lim
Aye
Councilmember Ross
Aye
Councilmember Stehle
Aye