(a) Speakers must provide their name and any organization they are representing, if any; and state (i) if they live in the City, (ii) work in the City, (ii) live and work in the City, or (iv) do not live or work in the City. Speakers may include a home or work address at the speaker’s discretion.

(b) Speakers will appear in person, unless in person meetings are suspended by New York State. If a person wishes to submit public comment but is unable to attend a meeting in person, they may submit a letter or email to the City Clerk no later than 1 pm on the day of the meeting. The letter or email should provide a name and any organization they are representing, if any; and state (i) if they live in the City, (ii) work in the City, (ii) live and work in the City, or (iv) do not live or work in the City. The letter or email will be distributed to members of Council. The letter will be included in the record. The letter may be read by any member of City Council during the public comment period.

(c) Speakers will have up to five (5) minutes to address City Council regarding pending legislation and issues affecting the City.

(d) Public comment is not a question and answer period. It is an opportunity for the public to address City Council. Members of Council should not interrupt speakers.

(e) Speakers will conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner and they will not defame, intimidate, make personal affronts, make threats of violence, or use profanity.

(f) Speakers will address their remarks to City Council, not to other members of the public nor City staff.

(g) Speakers and attendees will not interfere with, touch, manipulate, or disturb City equipment, including microphones and audio visual equipment, nor will they move tables or barriers.

(h) Speakers and attendees are not permitted to advance beyond the table designated for public comment without the consent of the Presiding Officer.

(i) Attendees will not delay or otherwise interrupt speakers nor will they disrupt the orderly conduct of the meeting. In this regard, members of the public will not shout, engage in unruly behavior, or speaking out when not recognized by the Presiding Officer (the President or President Pro Tem), City Clerk, or Deputy Clerk, defame, intimidate, issue personal affronts, threats of violence, or use profanity.

(j) No electioneering or campaigning is permitted at City Council meetings by speakers, attendees, nor members of City Council.

(k) All members of City Council are expected to preserve the order and decorum of City Council meetings. They will conduct themselves with decorum and advise members of the public to do the same.

(l) These rules will be posted in the City Council meeting room and on the City’s website.