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BPUB

Guidelines for Public Comments

Procedures and decorum for addressing the Board during public meetings.

Making Your Voice Heard

We welcome community engagement and value the input of our customers. To ensure that meetings remain efficient and respectful, we ask that all speakers adhere to the following guidelines when addressing the Board or Committee.

General Speaking Guidelines

We expect all speakers to observe commonly accepted rules of courtesy, dignity, and good taste. Disrespectful, abusive, or defamatory language will result in being ruled out of order.

The Process

  1. Register: You must register for Public Comment before your name is called.
  2. Approach: Wait for your name to be called before approaching the podium.
  3. Identify: Prior to speaking, please clearly state your:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Organizational Affiliation (if applicable)

Addressing the Room All questions and comments should be directed to the Chairperson, rather than individual Board Members, the CEO, or the audience. Please limit your comments to the specific matter listed on your registration form.

Time Limits

  • A limit of three (3) minutes is allotted to each speaker.
  • Please avoid repeating points already made by previous speakers.
  • Board Members may interrupt briefly only for clarification.
Registration & Procedure

How to Register Anyone wishing to address the Board (or PUBCAP, SRWA, BPUB Committees) must register one hour prior to the meeting start time.

Submit Public Comments Online via the specific meeting link on our website.

Action on Comments In accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, the Board cannot take action on or discuss subjects brought up during Public Comment that were not posted on the agenda. However, the Board may:

  • Refer the issue to the proper department for action.
  • Place the issue on a future agenda.
  • Respond briefly if necessary.

Group Presentations The total Public Comment period is limited to 30 minutes. If you are part of a large group, please select a representative to speak on behalf of the group to conserve time and reduce redundancy.

Written Statements If your comments require more than three minutes, we encourage you to provide written remarks to the Recording Secretary for distribution to the Board members.

Rules of Conduct & Decorum

To maintain an orderly environment for conducting city business, the following rules apply to all attendees:

Electronics & Conversation

  • Conversations among audience members should take place outside the meeting room.
  • Please silence all cell phones and pagers.
  • Refrain from outbursts or any actions that disrupt proceedings.

Signs & Attire Placards, banners, and signs are not permitted in the meeting room. This includes clothing (hats, t-shirts, etc.) intended to display provocative or offensive sentiments similar to placards. However, visual aids used specifically for a formal presentation are permitted.

Approaching the Dais Only Board Members and staff may approach the Board dais. If you have handouts, please give them to the Sr. Executive Assistant or Recording Secretary when you register; they will distribute the materials to the Board for you.