It’s common to wonder what actually goes on at a city council meeting. While there may be the occasional major decision that can impact the community, it’s largely business as usual from week to week. Becoming familiar with the basic order is the easiest place to start and could determine your level of involvement. Here's a closer look at the average meeting to help bolster your sense of civic duty.

3 Steps Involved in a City Council Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order

These meetings typically begin with a call to order. This includes the mayor or mayor pro tem announcing the date and the time as they welcome those in attendance. They then lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and have the deputy city clerk account for each of the members of the board. 

After approving the minutes from the previous meeting, the city council will then open the floor to special presentations. For example, if a citizen receives an award for their outstanding service, it would be granted to them at this time. The mayor and the alderman then report on any announcements or issues they wish to discuss. 

2. Public Discussion

The next portion of the meeting is open to the public. It provides an opportunity for the community to speak directly to the leaders and offer suggestions for any changes or improvements. They can comment on items as long as they’re not included in the current agenda. This is because these are already scheduled for later in the meeting and will be given time for an in-depth discussion. 

3. Executive Session

After the public gets a chance to speak and decisions have been made on the agenda, the city council will conduct a private meeting to go over various items that are not open to the public. These may include personnel issues, new land purchases, or upcoming litigation. Actions are not carried out until they reconvene and present their proposals to the rest of the group. Once this is complete, the mayor will adjourn the meeting. 

If you want to get involved in local government, reach out to the City of Florissant in Missouri. The board currently consists of nine members and encourages the public to apply for any vacancies. Those who wish to participate in the weekly city council meetings should plan on gathering at the Council Chambers at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Monday of the month. They welcome any comments and will take your questions into careful consideration. Call (314) 921-5700 to speak with a friendly representative or visit their website for additional information on community government.