The allotted time for Public Comment is thirty (30) minutes total per meeting. Anyone desiring to address the public body shall sign in at least five (5) minutes before the start of the meeting. The speaker MUST include their name, address, contact information and topic they will be discussing. Groups of speakers on the same topic should consolidate their comments to avoid repetition whenever possible. Comment rules apply to all meetings of all subsidiary bodies of the City of Rock Island including boards, committees, and commissions (except for the Rock Island Public Library).

GENERAL GUIDELINES for SPEAKERS

When your name is called, go to the podium at the front and state your name for the record. Address your comments to Council as a whole; not to individual members. Be concise with your comments. You have a limit of five (5) minutes.

Be civil and courteous in your comments. Profanity will not be tolerated. Speakers may not use Public Comment to harass Council or engage in disturbing behavior. Public Comment is not for asking questions of Council or engaging in a dialogue or debate.

Members of the audience shall refrain from applauding, cheering or booing during or at the conclusion of remarks made my any speaker, staff member, presiding officer or board member.

All items MUST pertain to City business. 

The presiding officer may impose reasonable limitations on public participation at public meetings, such as barring repetitious, irrelevant or immaterial or inappropriate comments. 

(Conversations with Council members should be arranged for outside of Council meetings.) Disturbances will not be tolerated and may be cause for removal.

Adopted by the Rock Island City Council July 14, 2025.