Questions Regarding Your Council

WHAT IS THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA?

HOW DO YOU FIND OUT WHAT'S COMING UP ON THE AGENDA?

We currently post the agenda online for your convenience. Printed copies are available in the City Council Office.

ARE COUNCIL MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?

All regularly scheduled Council meetings are open to the public and the media. All action taken by the City Council is taken at public meetings. The City Council is authorized to hold closed meetings whenever necessary to discuss legal and personnel matters, or other items not subject to the Freedom of Information Act. These meetings are not open to the public or media, but City Council may not vote on any issue in these sessions.

WHAT ABOUT PUBLIC HEARINGS?

Public hearings are held by the Council to give citizens the opportunity to comment on current issues involving the City. All public hearings are advertised and placed on the agenda.

HOW DO YOU HAVE A VOICE IN COUNCIL MEETINGS?

Prior to the meeting, there are sign up sheets for the public hearing items located at the rear of Council Chambers. If you wish to address Council on a non-agenda item, use the sign up sheet for "Audiences Granted to the General Public." There is a three (3) minute time limit for each speaker.

HOW IS AN AMENDMENT HANDLED?

An amendment is a Council member's means of making a change to a motion, ordinance, or resolution as previously submitted. The amendment must be proposed by a motion and treated as any other motion.

HOW CAN YOU SERVE ON COUNCIL-APPOINTED BOARDS/COMMISSIONS?

Persons interested in serving on any of the City's 38 boards and commissions should complete a Hampton Board Bank Application. As vacancies occur, the Board Bank provides the names of all the persons who have expressed a desire to serve on the board and/or commission that has the vacancy. These names and applications are then submitted to the City Council for consideration. To obtain additional information about the boards and commissions, contact Katherine K. Glass, Clerk of Council at 727-6315.

WHEN ARE MEETINGS HELD?

Hampton City Council meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month. Afternoon work sessions take place at 1:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Council may also call special meetings as needed. Typically these meetings are broadcast live on TV-47 and are also available on the City’s website.