City of Sumner--Get Involved

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ATTENDING MEETINGS

Please come and attend the public meetings of City Council, its boards and the city's commissions. This is your government in action, and the more people in attendance, the stronger it is.

When Meetings are Held

Click here for a full calendar of meeting dates, times, locations and agendas.

About City Council Meetings

Regular meetings are usually held the first and third Monday of every month at 7 pm. You can watch them in person and participate during public comment periods.

Study Sessions are held the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:00 pm. This less formal meeting allows Council members to meet with City staff, review new policies and be briefed on projects. The council does not vote on items in study session, and there are no opportunities for public comment, but you are welcome to come and listen.

Tips to Participate

We know that attending and perhaps commenting at a City Council meeting may be a new experience for you. Here are some tips to help you feel welcome and at ease.

PUBLIC COMMENT

* This is the time when you can comment on anything that's not on the agenda.

* Before the meeting, sign up to comment at the entrance to Council Chambers.

* When your name is called, please step up to the podium.

* Start by stating your name and address.

* Plan your comment ahead of time. There is a time limit.

* This is a time for citizens to speak, so Council members will mostly listen rather than respond.

* If you have raised an issue that needs follow-up, the Mayor or Council members will suggest the next steps to get your issue resolved.

PUBLIC COMMENT--ORDINANCE

* Before the Council votes to pass a proposed ordinance, the Mayor will ask if there is any public comment. This is your opportunity to comment on the proposed ordinance.

* Proceed to the podium and begin by stating your name and address.

* Please think about what you would like to say ahead of time. There is a time limit, and you want to be sure to state your most important points.

PUBLIC HEARING

* For some issues, the Council schedules a public hearing. This means the comments are about that particular issue only, but there may not necessarily be a vote that night. Rather, Council wants to hear your thoughts.

* Sign up for the hearing when you enter the Council Chamber.

* The Mayor will open the hearing and a member of City staff will present the background information of the issue.

* The Mayor will invite people to the podium one by one, starting with those who signed up.

* Please begin by stating your name and address.

* If someone already stated your same case, you may simply state that you agree.