City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
CHERAN CORDELL IVERY, CITY ATTORNEY
GLORIA SITTON, CITY CLERK/CLERK OF COUNCIL
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of an Amendment to the City Council Procedural Resolution and Incorporation of the Citizen Participation Policy and Public Hearing and Public Comment Protocol.
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ISSUE: Consideration of an amendment to the City Council Procedural Resolution and the formal integration of the Citizen Participation Policy and the Public Hearing and Public Comment Protocol.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the new procedural resolution, policy and protocol.
BACKGROUND: At the conclusion of the FY2026 Council session, City Council requested a review and update of the City Council Procedural resolution following meetings at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center to find ways to make meetings more efficient and streamline processes.
A working group of City staff members who frequently utilize the Council Chambers and are highly familiar with Council procedures was convened. This group evaluated existing practices to develop updates aimed at making the chamber experience more efficient, engaging, and safe for all participants.
DISCUSSION: The following recommendations are being proposed for consideration:
For public hearings involving applicants and appellants: Set a ten-minute presentation time for staff, applicants, and appellants. The applicant/appellant may request time for rebuttal up to three additional minutes.
For public hearings involving applicants and appellants: Presentation materials (AV-PowerPoint) much be submitted at least two business days prior to scheduled meeting (for Saturday hearings, the deadline would be Wednesday by 5:00 pm). This gives ITS staff time to vet the items for any viruses ...
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