How to Address Council

When to Speak on Concerns

When a council bill comes up for discussion by council, citizens may then address the council on such bills provided they fall under the following agenda headings:

• Amended Bills
• Emergency Bills
• 1st Reading
• Public Hearing
• Resolutions

Registering to Speak
Citizens wishing to speak to City Council are asked to register with the City Clerk. This may be done by calling the City Clerk's office prior to the meeting at 417-864-1650 or filling out the online form. Citizens wishing to address the Council regarding an issue either on, or not on, the agenda, must register with the City Clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, prior to the meeting. Agendas are posted here by 5 p.m. the Wednesday prior to the meeting.  The City Clerk’s office will send you a confirmation with pertinent information as to the process for the meeting.

At the appropriate time in the meeting the City Clerk will call your name. When your name is called, please sit in front of the computer terminal provided, state your name for the record, and the appropriate comments. The only restrictions on the comments are:

• They must pertain to the subject being discussed
• They are limited to 5 minutes, however if 8 or more speakers are signed up for a particular item, speakers will be limited to 3 minutes
• They must be made to the City Council and not to staff or any other member of the audience.