How to register and/or speak
Never been to a Common Council meeting?
Don't worry, the city of Fitchburg does a great job at making it easy to give your input. Here are the steps.
1. Come to the Fitchburg City Hall at 5520 Lacy Rd, ("City Hall" is carved in stone over the door), and go down the long hallway to the end.
2. Arrive by 7:30 p.m., when the Common Council meeting begins. Our item is #7A5, but sometimes they move agenda items around, and you don't want to arrive when it's over! Bring a book or some knitting to pass the time 'til our item comes up.
3. At the back of the room there is a counter with registration slips. Fill in your name, address, "Common Council meeting" and "agenda item #7A5." Check "register in opposition" and if you're willing to speak, check "wish to speak." Sign the form, and if you don't wish to speak, write a few lines about why you are opposed, which will prove that you DO understand the issues.
Take your slip up and give it to anyone on the dais in front, and they will pass it to the mayor.
4. The mayor will invite people who want to speak to come up to the speakers table, two and a time, usually alternating people who are for and against. When all have spoken, he will read the names of those who registered in support or in opposition, including their written comments.
4. When everyone who wants to be heard has had a chance, the alders discuss the issue, and then they vote. It's really important that you stay for this part if you can, so that they feel your eyes upon them!
5. When the vote is over, we can leave and talk in the hallway about what happened!