Policy Governing Citizen Communications at Village Council Meetings

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-02-25-07

A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF, TEXAS, ADOPTING A POLICY GOVERNING CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS AT VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS; PROVIDING FOR RULES OF DECORUM; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of Briarcliff, Texas (the “Village”), is committed to transparency, public participation, and orderly governance; and

WHEREAS, the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, including § 551.007 relating to public comment by members of the public, provides for public access to meetings of governmental bodies and authorizes governmental bodies to adopt reasonable rules regarding public participation; and

WHEREAS, the Village Council finds it necessary and appropriate to adopt reasonable rules governing citizen communications in order to ensure the orderly conduct of public meetings and the efficient transaction of official business;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF, TEXAS, THAT:

SECTION 1. The Policy Governing Citizen Communications at Village Council Meetings, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein for all purposes, is hereby adopted.

SECTION 2. The Mayor or presiding officer is authorized to enforce the Policy in accordance with Texas Government Code § 551.007 ↗ and applicable law.

SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 25th day of February, 2026.

Allen Hostetler, Mayor

ATTEST: Amber Rowe, Village Secretary

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EXHIBIT “A” — Policy Governing Citizen Communications at Council Meetings

Village of Briarcliff, Texas

1. PURPOSE

This Policy establishes reasonable rules for citizen communications at Village Council meetings in accordance with Texas Government Code § 551.007 ↗.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

A public comment period shall be included on regular meeting agendas. Comments must relate to matters within the jurisdiction of the Village Council.

3. PROCEDURES

(a) Speakers must complete a request-to-speak form prior to the meeting unless otherwise permitted by the presiding officer.

(b) Speakers must be recognized before speaking.

(c) Speakers shall state their name and address for the record.

(d) Comments shall be directed to the Council as a body.

4. TIME LIMITS

Individual speakers shall be limited to three (3) minutes unless additional time is granted by the presiding officer.

5. DECORUM

(a) All persons shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner.

(b) Profane, abusive, threatening, or personally defamatory language is prohibited.

(c) No conduct shall disrupt or impede the orderly conduct of the meeting.

(d) No member of the public shall approach the dais or enter any area reserved for Council members or staff unless expressly invited or recognized.

Unauthorized approach to or refusal to leave the dais or restricted area after direction from the presiding officer may constitute a violation of Tex. Penal Code § 42.05 (Disrupting a Meeting or Procession) and/or Tex. Penal Code § 30.05 (Criminal Trespass).

6. ENFORCEMENT

(a) The presiding officer shall maintain order.

(b) Violators may be warned, have speaking privileges terminated, be directed to return to their seat, or be removed if necessary.

(c) Conduct constituting a violation of Tex. Penal Code §§ 42.01, 42.05, 30.05, or 42.07 may be referred to law enforcement.