Want to speak at a Rochester City Council meeting? Here's how

Robert Bell, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·3 min read

While state and national politics steal the headlines, local municipal governments can have more detailed influence over our everyday lives.

If you care about police expenses, school quality, parks or zoning, that is local government-led. The list also includes the operation of libraries and the administration of state or municipal assistance programs.

City council is an essential part of the local government.

  • The City Council conducts mandatory public hearings for specific legislative matters outlined on the agenda, along with a monthly Speak to Council session.

  • Meetings are accessible to the public, allowing constituents to express their opinions, ideas, concerns, or support for legislation scheduled for the month's vote. Additionally, individuals can address any other issues impacting the community during these sessions.

  • Public hearings and Speak to Council sessions occur at the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 302-A.

  • Usually, these sessions are held on the third Thursday of each month, starting at 6 PM.

How do you speak at a city council public hearing?

Public hearings are mandated by law for specific legislative items, including amendments to the Official Map. The public can address these particular items during the hearings. Advanced sign-up before the meeting date is optional for public hearings.

People who want to participate in public hearings may register in advance or attend in person. The City Clerk will open the floor to comments at 6 P.M.

  • Participants must include their first and last name, mailing address, phone number, and the Introductory Number they are commenting on

  • If you cannot attend in person, you may share comments via email or mail. Please note these comments will be shared with the Council but will not be read into the record during the Public Hearings.

  • Email written comments directly to council@cityofrochester.gov.

  • Mail written comments directly to the City Council and Clerk's Office, Attn: Public Hearings, Room 301A, 30 Church St., Rochester, NY 14614

  • Participants must include their first and last name, mailing address, phone number, and the "introductory number" they are commenting on.

Speak to Council sessions: Sign up in advance

Advanced sign-up is necessary for Speak to Council. Sign-ups close at 4:30 P.M. No additional speakers can be accepted after or during Speak to Council. Speakers who have signed up in advance but do not attend the meeting cannot transfer their spot to someone not signed up.

Speak to Council begins immediately after the conclusion of Public Hearings.

  • Speak to Council sessions are held after the Public Hearings are complete.

  • Speakers will have two or three minutes to speak at the session.

  • If 20 or fewer speakers are signed up to speak, each speaker will be allotted three minutes to speak.

  • If more than 20 speakers are signed up to speak, time is reduced to two minutes.

  • A staff member will time each speaker.

  • Speakers can sign up by calling (585) 428-7538 or (585) 428-7421 or emailing council@cityofrochester.gov.

  • If you cannot participate in person, you may share comments via email or mail. Please note that these comments will be shared with the Council but will not be read into the record during Speak to Council.

  • Participants must include their first and last name, mailing address, phone number, and the Introductory Number they are commenting on.

For December 2023 City Council Public Meetings, visit: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=21474843856.

Contact Robert Bell at: rlbell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @byrobbell & Instagram: @byrobbell. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Want to speak at a Rochester NY City Council meeting? Here's how