Presenting to Council

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Order of Business at Council Meetings
A City Council meeting may have some or all of these -

• Call to Order: Pledge of Allegiance followed by roll call
• Presentations: Proclamations, award presentations, etc.
• Minutes: Council members vote to approve or correct the minutes from a previous meeting. Agenda and Consent Item Approval: Council members vote on whether to keep, add or remove topics that will be considered at this meeting. Council members may also vote to remove an agenda from consent so it can be discussed. (Consent items are routine and need no discussion. All consent items are acted upon by one motion.) A member of the audience may also ask the Council to remove an item from the consent agenda.
• Petitions and Communications from the Public: Members of the public may contact the City Clerk's office prior to the council meeting to ask that an issue be placed on the agenda.
• Public Hearings: A public discussion of an issue where audience members are invited to speak about the topic.
• Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions: Council action on a proposal. For details, see "City Council Agenda Terms" in the Agendas & Minutes section.)
• Boards and Committees: Council may receive a report from a board or commission, create a committee or appoint individual(s) to an advisory group.
• Communications: Council members or City staff may raise an issue to be considered at a future meeting or simply share information of interest.
• Adjournment: If there is no additional business, the meeting is closed.

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Speaking at a Council Meeting
Citizens are welcome to speak before the City Council about any item on that evening's meeting agenda.

To speak before the council, simply fill out a blue card (available in the meeting room) and take it to the council table. The mayor will call on you when that agenda item is discussed. If a very large audience is present, the council may impose time limits on speakers to ensure everyone is heard.

Arrangements for a sign language interpreter or other assistance can be made by calling (952) 924-2525 or (952) 924-2518 (phone line reserved for the deaf and hearing impaired) one week before the meeting.

Presentation Pointers
Here are some suggestions for making effective, credible presentations before the City Council

• Be prepared - think about the key points you want to make.
• Stick to your own first-hand observations - avoid rumor or unsupported speculation.
• Check your facts to ensure credibility.
• If you are opposing a proposal, consider offering an alternative solution.
• Rather than repeating the statements that other people have made, point out something different or simply state that you agree with previous speakers' major points.
• Be respectful of the people who do not share your viewpoint.
• Understand that not everyone will be in agreement on a controversial issue. Be prepared to seek solutions that offer the greatest community good.

Don't forget that letters and petitions are also powerful ways to share your views, suggestions or concerns. Letters and petitions can be mailed to:
City Council c/o City Hall
5005 Minnetonka Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416.