Public Comment
City Council, Planning Board, Neighborhood Compatibility
It is not necessary to pre-submit digital comments in addition to comments made during the meeting. View the City's Public Comment Policy.
Please visit the Website Calendar for meeting details and information.
Before the meeting
- Find the meeting on the Calendar to view details about the meeting.
- If you are unable to submit your comment using the form, you may contact the City Clerk for assistance.
- Pre-submitted public comments should be submitted by noon on the day of the meeting. If the comment contains photo(s) or video they should be submitted by 8:00 am the day before the meeting.
During the meeting (virtual)
Using a computer or smartphone
- From a web browser – visit https://zoom.us/join and enter the Meeting ID provided in the Calendar Event and enter a personal link name so that you may be identified during the meeting when it is your turn to speak. Select “Join” and enter the password provided in the Calendar Event. Zoom may request you to enter an email address in order to join the meeting.
- From the Zoom app – after downloading the Zoom app on your smart phone or tablet, open the Zoom app and click on the “Join” button. Enter the Meeting ID provided in the Calendar Event and enter a personal link name so that you may be identified during the meeting when it is your turn to speak. Select “Join” and enter the password provided in the Calendar Event.
- Select your audio preference – once you join on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can select your audio preference. If your device is equipped with a microphone and speakers, you can select Computer Audio. If you do not have a microphone and speakers on your device or your sound quality is poor, you can select Phone Call. If you select Phone Call, you will be provided a list of numbers to use to call into to participate in the audio portion of the meeting. Please only use one source for audio to prevent feedback.
- You will be permitted into a virtual waiting room and will be allowed into the meeting by City staff. Once you are invited into the meeting you will be able to view and hear the meeting.
- By default, all attendees are automatically muted. During the public comment or public hearing time, use the “Raise Hand” tool. Tap next to your name in the “Participants” list, then tap Raise Hand. You will see a hand icon beside your name in the participants' list. If you are only accessing the meeting by phone, you can “Raise Hand” by pressing *9. The host will unmute attendees in the order in which they raised their hand and alert you when it is your turn to speak. Speakers may be given time limits based on the meeting and the number of people who are in the queue to speak. Once your public comment has ended, you will be muted again.
Using a regular phone
- From a phone – dial the phone number and enter the password provided in the Calendar Event.
- You will be permitted into a virtual waiting room and will be allowed into the meeting by City staff. Once you are invited into the meeting you will be able to hear the meeting.
- By default, all attendees are automatically muted. During the public comment or public hearing time, you can request to speak by pressing *9. The host will unmute attendees in the order in which they requested to speak. You may have to unmute your phone by pressing *6. Speakers may be given time limits based on the meeting and the number of people who are in the queue to speak. Once your public comment has ended, you will be muted again.
For support or information on how to use the Zoom platform, visit their website.
During the meeting (in-person)
In-person meeting participants should sign up to speak on the provided form before the meeting begins.