Barnstable Town Council - Guidelines for Public Comment

Town Councilors are elected officials. Councilors are elected by voters to do the business of the town.

Our meetings are designed to accomplish just that, the business of the town.

Our agenda includes items that require a public hearing.  This means that time will be set aside after the reading of these items for the public to give input before we debate the item. These public hearings are an important opportunity for us to hear from the public about the specific business we will be voting on during our meeting.

We welcome input from the public during public comment on the agenda items that do not require a specific public hearing.

In addition to input regarding agenda items, we also welcome the public to speak to us at public comment about issues that are within the council purview.

As president of the council, I request that those who wish to speak during public comment be familiar with rule 5F of the Town Council Rules.

In addition, I ask that the council as a whole be addressed with respect.

Making specific derogatory remarks about individual councilors, staff, committee or board members, or anyone in the public, will not be tolerated. Incidents and issues that bring people here to make these types of comments are more effectively addressed via phone, email, or in personal meetings.  Councilors have contact information posted on our website.

Thank you for your cooperation