For those interested in providing public comment during the meeting, there are a few housekeeping items to keep in mind help the meeting run as smoothly as if it were being conducted in person in the City Council chambers.

1. Public comment is most easily accomplished via the Zoom platform, either in a computer browser or by app on your computer or device, rather than by telephone call. The interactive features are not available over the phone. We will, nevertheless, do our best to accommodate phone participants. If you only wish to speak during a particular part of the meeting and you can only join the meeting by phone, you may want to watch the meeting on TV or by web stream until that part comes up, then mute or turn off your TV or web stream, and then call in just for that part of the meeting in order to speak via phone.
2. While you are signed in to the meeting, regardless of how you do so, we ask that you please have your microphone or telephone on “mute” until you have been recognized to speak. Most cell phones and some landline phones have the ability to mute and un-mute the microphone. The Zoom interface provides an icon to mute your mic in the lower left corner of the window, and also if you hover your mouse over your own image or icon on your screen. Again, always mute yourself when you are not speaking.
3. Please do not watch the meeting via cable or web stream while you are signed in and participating online. There is a significant signal delay, and if you are recognized to speak there will be loud feedback. If you plan to speak during the meeting, make sure you are in a quiet room and that all background noise such as music or the television is turned off. This helps eliminate feedback and makes the meeting much more pleasant to listen to, and easier to understand, for everyone.
4. If you would like to speak during either Public Comment near the end of the meeting, or during a particular agenda item, please use the “Raise Hand” button to alert city staff that you would like to comment. Similar to regular council meetings, the may will request public comment. 
5. In turn, each speaker with their “Raise Hand” button on will have their microphone un-muted (or telephone participants will be asked to provide a comment) and you will be able to speak. 
6. By council rule, the maximum allotted time to speak is three minutes. Please begin by stating your name and address, and spelling your name to help the record be accurate. It is important that all council members and members of the public be able to hear each other and the discussion – so please speak clearly, and speak directly into your phone or microphone.

This is a new process for us all, and we again thank you for your patience as we work through this unprecedented situation. We are working hard to keep everyone healthy and safe, while making sure everyone’s voices are heard.