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eComment Policy for City Council Meetings

Policy for using the eComment feature on City Council Meeting Agendas.

City Council Meetings
How to eComment
  1. Purpose & Scope 
    1. This policy establishes how the City accepts, manages, and retains online public comments (“eComments”) submitted through the Granicus platform for City Council meetings. It applies to comments submitted on specific agenda items and during General Public Comment.
  2. Definitions
    1. Agenda Item Comment: A written comment submitted on a specific posted agenda item.
    2. General Public Comment: A written comment addressing matters not listed on the agenda but within the jurisdiction of the City Council.
  3. Where to Comment
    1. Submit comments on specific items by selecting Comment next to that agenda item within Granicus.
    2. For non-agenda topics, use General Public Comment.
    3. *Only one comment per agenda item per user/account is allowed. If public comment would not be taken for an agenda item during the meeting such as consent, you will not be able to comment on the item in writing either
  4. Submission Window & Character Limit
    1. The comment portal opens when the agenda is posted.
    2. eComments close (90) minutes before the scheduled meeting start time.
    3. Maximum length is 500 characters per comment.
  5. Distribution, Use, and Record Status
    1. Comments submitted before the deadline will be compiled and provided to the Mayor and Council.
    2. eComments become part of the official meeting record.
    3. eComments are not read aloud unless directed by the presiding officer.
  6. Public Record Notice. All eComments are public records under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes and may be released upon request. Residents should avoid including sensitive personal information.
  7. Rules of Decorum. Online comments must follow the same rules of decorum as in-person speakers. Comments containing threats, obscenity, harmful files/links, or spam may be retained but withheld from display.
  8. Accessibility. ADA accommodations and assistance using eComment may be requested through the Office of the City Clerk. Alternative submission methods may have separate deadlines.
  9. Privacy, Accounts, and System Availability. Users may be required to create a Granicus account. The City is not responsible for third-party platform outages. If the system is unavailable, alternate public comment options listed on the agenda may be used.