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1. Are all the meetings of the City Council open to the Public?

Massachusetts State Law (The Open Meeting Law) requires public government bodies to have meetings which are open to all and which are announced or "noticed" at least 48 hours in advance (excluding Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays). There are several specific exemptions to this open meeting requirement which allows the Council to hold closed or "executive" sessions.

2. Can members of the public speak during, or participate in, the Council meetings?

Yes. The Council provides for opportunities for the public to speak during its "oral communications" and during any scheduled public hearings.

3. Can residents petition the City Council to take action?

Yes. The City Charter (Article 9) provides several methods for residents/voters to petition the City Council.

4. Are City Council meetings televised?

All Council meetings are televised live by CATV and are available on local cable channels.

5. Does the Council have any role in the School Committee?

The School Committee is an independently elected body (six (6) members plus the Mayor) and the only formal role of the Council in the School Committee is the "bottom line" approval of the School Committee budget as part of the City budget, although the Committee and the Council do on occasion meet jointly.

6. Where and when does the City Council meet?

City Council meets on alternate Tuesdays at 7:00 pm in the Gloucester City Hall Kyrouz Auditorium. A schedule of meetings and events can be viewed on Public Meeting Notices.