Yavapai News

In December 2021, the City of Prescott added an Open Call to the Public to the beginning of all Voting Meetings. Since that time, Council has received input on a number of relevant community subjects and has been able to better promote transparency and public input through this option. To continue to allow for public input, but address efficiency and time issues, the Open Call to the Public will be revised beginning with the Tuesday, May 23, 2023, Voting Meeting. All revisions are made with the goal of allowing citizens and the Council to focus on matters of local concern rather than broader national political topics.

Citizens may continue to address Council regarding items that are NOT on the posted agenda for up to 4 minutes each and a total of 40 minutes during the Open Call, however, the following conditions will apply:

• Citizens will be limited to addressing Council on the same topic only four (4) times in total
• If a topic has been addressed more than five times by different speakers, the Mayor may limit future discussion on this topic
• Topics of a primarily national concern may be limited at the discretion of the Mayor

It is important to note that the purpose of this public comment time is designed to focus comments on subjects that have a significant impact on the citizens of our community and may in the future require input from Council. Additionally, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), members of the Council may NOT discuss items that are not specifically identified on the agenda and, therefore, cannot engage in a dialogue with citizens following receiving their comments.

The Mayor, or presiding officer in his absence, will manage comments to ensure this opportunity does not negatively impact the Council’s ability to address the issues they are scheduled to vote on. Please note, citizens may continue to comment for three (3) minutes on items listed on the posted agenda as well.

Public speaker cards will be available in Council Chambers and will be differentiated as follows: green comment cards for the Open Call to the Public and blue comment cards for Public Comment on agenda items.

For additional information please contact the City Clerk’s Office. Council and staff welcome public engagement and look forward to hearing from our citizens.

Original source can be found here.