Request Speaking Time

Except for some meetings such as District Service Cabinet meetings, all Community Board 11 (CB11) meetings and events are open to the public, which is in accordance with the New York State Open Meetings Law.

Input from the public is heard during the "Gallery Session" of each public meeting and is very much valued by board members. The only current registration requirements for public speakers are for Full Board meetings, for which each speaker shall complete a registration slip at least thirty-six (36) hours in advance of the meeting. The exception to this requirement will be limited to ten (10) paper slips available for in-person speakers, which must be completed prior to the start of the meeting.

Registration for Full Board meetings ensures that each speaker receives an initial, two (2) minutes of uninterrupted speaking time. Thereafter, they may respond to, at most, four (4) questions or comments from board members. The question-and-answer period may not surpass four (4) minutes, leading to a total time restriction of six (6) minutes per speaker. Further speaking time must be approved by a majority vote of the Community Board.

All gallery session speakers shall be called upon in the order in which they register, and they must agree to comply with the Community Board’s Conduct Statement (below).

Elected officials at Full Board meetings receive an initial, five (5) minutes of uninterrupted speaking time, and they may respond to at most only four (4) questions or comments by board members—and only board members—without any time restrictions. Surrogates are afforded the same courtesy as their principal but are limited to two (2) minutes of initial speaking time.

Elected officials who don't directly represent Community Board 11's constituency must register at least thirty-six (36) hours in advance of Full Board meetings in order to speak.

To request any special accommodations, please contact CB11 at least 72 hours prior to any of its meetings or events.

Conduct Statement

Community Board 11 meetings and events should be held in a professional and hostile-free environment.

The following guidelines are applicable to members of the public, Community Board 11, and Community Board 11 staff:

• Any action or behavior that disrupts or interferes with Community Board 11 business will not be tolerated during any Community Board 11 meeting and may result in the individual(s) being asked to leave. If the action or behavior continues, this may be considered disturbing the peace, and the appropriate authorities may be summoned. If the meeting is held remotely, the person may be muted or expelled for the remainder.
• Repeated violations by the same person or group of people may result in further action by the Community Board.
• All public speakers must address the Full Board or the Committee with their concerns.
• Electioneering for a position other than an officer of Community Board 11 is prohibited.
• Engaging in acts of violence (including threats) are grounds for immediate suspension of the right to attend meetings, pending review by the Bylaws & Ethics Committee.
• Respect the equality, diversity and privacy of all people by respecting and valuing differences of culture and opinion.
• Refrain from unpleasant or disparaging remarks and other actions.
• Abstain from all forms of harassment by actively discouraging it.
• Disseminating false information is prohibited.