Request to Appear

Citizens have two opportunities to speak at City Council meetings. 

1. Request to Appear

• Citizens need to fill out a Request to Appear form and submit it to the Clerk's Office by Noon on the Thursday preceding the regular Council meeting at which it is to be considered.  per Ely City Code Section 2.04

Request to Appear Protocols: 

• The Mayor will recognize one speaker at a time.  Only those speakers recognized by the Mayor will be allowed to speak. When addressing the Council, state your full name and address for the record.
• If you are approved to speak, you will be speaking directly to the Council, not to the audience, staff, or community
• Comments must be informational in nature and not exceed fifteen (15) minutes during Request to Appear, at the discretion of the Mayor
• If there are a number of individuals present to speak on the same topic, please designate a spokesperson that can summarize the issue.
• All written requests must meet the requirements of the comment period protocol, or the request will be denied.
• The Council cannot engage in a discussion or debate, but will take the information and find answers, if appropriate.
• Comments must not use profanity, insults, or threats. Personal attacks by anyone addressing the Council are unacceptable. Complaints about individuals or City staff members are not allowed.
• A violation of the Request to Appear Protocols is subject to Minnesota Statute 609.72 Disorderly Conduct.

 

2. Open Forum (at end of the meeting) 

The Open Forum forms are located near the entrance to the Coucnil Chambers.  Turn in the Open Forum Form to the Clerk anytime before or during the meeting. 

• Per City Code Section 2.04 - No official action shall be taken on any requests made by a citizen and presented under #15 Open Public Comment.
  • The Mayor will recognize one speaker at a time.  Only those speakers recognized by the Mayor will be allowed to speak. When addressing the Council, state your full name and address for the record.
  • If you are approved to speak, you will be speaking directly to the Council, not to the audience, staff, or community.
  • Comments must be informational in nature and not exceed three (3) minutes during Open Forum at the discretion of the Mayor.
  • If there are a number of individuals present to speak on the same topic, please designate a spokesperson that can summarize the issue.
  • All written requests must meet the requirements of the comment period protocol, or the request will be denied.
  • The Council cannot engage in a discussion or debate, but will take the information and find answers, if appropriate.
  • Comments must not use profanity, insults, or threats. Personal attacks by anyone addressing the Council are unacceptable. Complaints about individuals or City staff members are not allowed.
  • A violation of the Open Form Protocols is subject to Minnesota Statute 609.72 Disorderly Conduct.