Addressing the City Council

How to Address the Antlers City Council

Planning to speak at an Antlers City Council meeting? Knowing the City's meeting rules ahead of time can help you prepare.

Before the Meeting

Check the City Council agenda before you go. The agenda tells you what the Council plans to consider at the meeting. The City posts agendas on the City of Antlers website and on the outside display board at City Hall.

Under Oklahoma's Open Meeting Act, the agenda must generally be posted at least 24 hours before a regular meeting. Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays do not count toward the 24 hours.

If you want to speak before the Council, the City's rules require you to sign an appearance request (a request to speak) before the meeting begins.

When You Speak

At the appropriate time, the mayor will recognize you to speak. State your name and address before beginning your comments.

The City's rules also require speakers to:

• Keep comments related to the agenda item being discussed.

• Limit comments to five minutes, unless the mayor changes the time allowed.

• Direct questions and comments to the mayor.

• Wait to be recognized before speaking.

• Avoid interrupting another speaker.

• Follow the rules for order and decorum.

Oklahoma's Open Meeting Act does not itself require a City Council to provide an opportunity for public comment. The Oklahoma Municipal League explains that municipalities may adopt their own rules for citizen comments.

What if Your Topic Isn't on the Agenda?

If the topic you want to discuss is not on the agenda, contact the City Clerk-Treasurer about requesting that it be added to a future agenda. The City also directs residents to the City Clerk-Treasurer when they want to contact City Council members.

Under Oklahoma's Open Meeting Act, “new business” has a limited legal meaning. It does not generally mean any new topic someone wishes to raise during a meeting.

Want to Know More About an Agenda Item?

An agenda may give only a short description of an item. Under Oklahoma's Open Records Act, many City records are available to the public, although some records are confidential or otherwise protected by law.

Contact City Hall to ask about public records related to an agenda item.

Attending Without Speaking

You do not have to speak to attend a City Council meeting. City Council meetings are open to the public under Oklahoma's Open Meeting Act.

The City currently lists regular Council meetings as the first Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Room at City Hall, 100 SE 2nd Street. If the first Monday is a holiday, the meeting is held the following Monday. Check the City's posted agenda before attending because meeting dates and times can change.

Before You Go

• Check the meeting agenda.

• Sign the appearance request before the meeting begins if you want to speak.

• Wait for the mayor to recognize you.

• State your name and address.

• Keep your comments related to the agenda item.

• Direct questions and comments to the mayor.

• Keep your comments within the five-minute limit unless the mayor changes the time allowed.

Learn More

• City of Antlers — City Council Agendas

• City of Antlers — City Hall and Council Information

• City of Antlers — City Ordinances

• Oklahoma Statutes — Open Meeting Act

• Oklahoma Statutes — Open Records Act

• Oklahoma Municipal League — Open Meeting Act FAQ

Information is based on City of Antlers procedures and Oklahoma open-government resources. This page is for general information and is not legal advice.