Attending a Meeting

Regular Assembly meetings are held the first and third Mondays of each month unless the Monday is a holiday - then the meeting is held on Tuesday. The meetings are held in the Assembly Chambers, 1900 First Avenue, Suite 144, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and are broadcast via webstream and local TV channels.

Agenda

Items to be considered by the assembly are listed on the agenda. Because there are so many matters for the Assembly to discuss, the agenda is prepared in advance. If you have a matter for Assembly consideration, please contact the Borough Clerk’s Office to obtain the necessary forms. Items for the agenda must be received no later than seven days prior to the next Assembly meeting. View published Assembly meeting packets. Items are considered in the order listed on the agenda, unless the order is changed by the Assembly. Copies of the agenda and all ordinances and resolutions to be considered are available at the entrance of the meeting room.

Citizens may request to place an item on the agenda for consideration by the Assembly. The forms are available at the office of the Borough Clerk.

Citizen Comments

The Assembly invites the citizens of the Borough to provide comments on any issue at each of its meetings. There is a time for public comment, usually after the roll call has occurred. If you wish to address the Assembly just stand up, wait to be acknowledged by the presiding officer, and approach the podium provided. Please be courteous to others who also wish to speak and take your turn.

At the podium speak into the microphone so the audience and Assembly can hear you. Give your name and then make your comments. You do not have to provide your address or other personal information. Below are some practical tips for speaking effectively to the Assembly:

• Keep comments to approximately three minutes.
• Practice comments prior to the meeting in order to be succinct and still get your point across.
• If there is a large group of citizens supporting the same issue it helps to appoint one or two people to speak for the entire group. Group members may show their support by standing up.
• Remember, if you see the eyes of the Assembly glazing over you have gone on for too long.

Public Hearings

Public hearings are scheduled at the beginning of the meeting following Citizen Comments. Citizens will sign up on a sheet and testify in the order that they sign up. Citizens may present arguments in favor or in opposition; staff report update, if any; close the public portion of the hearing and the assembly deliberates and renders a decision on the matter at hand.