Public Input

East Central Intergovernmental Association

Council Meeting Public Input Guidelines

Things to do when speaking during the public input period or on a specific agenda item:

• Please sign in.
  • In person participants - Legibly print your name, address, and organization on the sign-in sheet (this information is for the meeting record).
  • Online participants - Sign in virtually by providing your full name, address, and organization (if applicable) in the designated online form or chat at the start of the meeting. This will be recorded for meeting documentation.
• Meeting agenda.
  • In person participants please take a copy of the meeting agenda. Online participants the meeting agenda will be shared on the screen. The meeting agenda will list the agenda items where public input is allowed.
  • If the item you wish to provide input on is listed on the agenda, wait for that item to come up during the meeting. After the staff presentation the presiding officer will open the meeting to public input on the item being discussed.
  • If the item you wish to provide input on is not listed on the agenda, public input will be taken at the start of the meeting.
• When the public input period comes up during the meeting, the presiding officer will open the meeting up to public input.
  • In person participants need to stand and request to speak, while online participants will be asked to raise a virtual hand or submit a request to speak in the chat.
  • Public input period may be limited to 5 minutes per person and 30 minutes in total. Keep it concise.
  • When it is your turn, start by stating your full name, address, and the organization you are representing, if any.
  • Direct your remarks to the ECIA Council as a collective body and not towards any specific council member or employee.

Public Input Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a public input period?
A public input period, also known as a public comment period, is the time of a public meeting designated for individuals to express their views.

Meeting guidelines at East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) aim to promote information sharing, free speech, and consensus-building in an orderly manner. They also serve to deter contention, unregulated discussions, and disorder.

How much time do I have to speak?
Each speaker may be allotted 5 minutes.

A public input session is limited to 30 minutes to ensure ample time for other agenda items.

• During the public input period, speakers may address items not already on the agenda.
• Comments related to agenda items should be addressed at the time of the related agenda item.
• Speakers should address the entire body, refrain from directly addressing staff or other attendees, and maintain a respectful and courteous tone.
• Negative, impertinent or slanderous comments are prohibited.

The meeting presiding officer may respond to questions after the public input period or as part of discussion for agenda items. Complex questions may require further research before an answer can be provided.

• Materials to be included on the agenda should be submitted to the ECIA Executive Director at least 7 days prior to the ECIA Council meetings. Materials deemed inappropriate or offensive will not be distributed.
• While distributing materials at the meeting is allowed, it may not be the most effective approach, as participants may find it challenging to process and discuss them on the spot.

Please refer to the calendar on the front page of our website, https://www.ecia.org, for a complete schedule of ECIA meeting dates, times, and locations.

Please contact ECIA Interim Director Chandra Ravada at cravada@ecia.org for more information.