How to Get on the City Council Agenda
Every Lowry Crossing resident has the right to address their elected officials. Here’s how — whether you want to speak during public comment or request that a specific issue be formally discussed.
Option 1: Public Comment
Speak during “Citizens’ Comments”
Every regular council meeting includes a “Presentation/Comments by Citizens” agenda item. This is your standing opportunity to address the council on any topic.
Option 2: Request an Agenda Item
Get your issue formally discussed
If you want the council to formally discuss, deliberate, or take action on a specific matter, submit a written request to have it placed on a future meeting agenda.
Agenda Request Form
Download, print, and fill out this form to request public comment time or ask that a topic be placed on a future City Council meeting agenda. Submit to City Hall in person, by mail, or by email.
This is a courtesy form provided by the Civic Hub to facilitate citizen participation. It is not an official City of Lowry Crossing document. The city may have its own preferred format.
Step-by-Step Process
Identify Your Goal
Do you just want to be heard (public comment), or do you need the council to take formal action (agenda item)? Public comment is immediate; agenda items require advance planning.
Prepare Your Request
For agenda items, clearly describe what you want discussed and what action you’re requesting (e.g., “Approve a stop sign at Overland and Meadow”). Include supporting documents if relevant (photos, petitions, data).
Submit to City Hall
Send the completed form to City Administrator Janis Cable at least 10 business days before your desired meeting. Email is fastest: [email protected].
Wait for Confirmation
The Mayor and City Administrator will review the request and determine whether and when to place it on the agenda. They’ll contact you. If your request is time-sensitive, say so.
Attend the Meeting & Present
If your item is placed on the agenda, attend the meeting prepared to present your case. Council may ask questions, deliberate, and vote. Bring copies of supporting materials for each council member (9 copies: mayor + 8 council seats).
What About Group Petitions?
If a group of neighbors shares a concern, your voices carry more weight together. Here’s how to approach it:
- Gather signatures on a petition describing the issue and the action you want taken. Include printed names, addresses, and signatures.
- Designate a spokesperson to present the petition and answer council questions.
- Submit the petition with an Agenda Request Form attached. Reference the number of signers.
- Multiple speakers may address the council on the same item — each gets their allotted time.
Legal Framework
Texas Government Code §551.007
Effective September 1, 2019, this statute guarantees the public the right to address a governmental body regarding any item on the agenda, before or during the body’s consideration of the item. The council may adopt reasonable, viewpoint-neutral rules (such as time limits) but may not prohibit public criticism of the body or its actions.
Texas Open Meetings Act (Gov’t Code Ch. 551)
The council cannot take action on any matter not listed on the posted agenda. This is why formal agenda items must be requested in advance — the agenda must be posted at least 3 business days before the meeting (HB 1522, effective Sept. 1, 2025). Actions taken on items not properly posted are voidable.
Texas Constitution, Art. I, §27
“The citizens shall have the right…to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances or other purposes, by petition, address, or remonstrance.” The council cannot arbitrarily refuse to hear citizens on matters of public concern.
LC Meeting Structure
Lowry Crossing City Council agendas consistently include a “Presentation/Comments by Citizens” item (typically item #6 or #7). This is the designated opportunity for any person to address the council. Speakers state their name and address for the record. This practice is documented across 128+ meeting minutes from 2019–2026.
Where to Submit
In Person
City Hall
1405 S. Bridgefarmer Rd
Mon–Fri 8 AM–1 PM / 2–5 PM
By Email
[email protected]
City Administrator Janis Cable
By Phone
(972) 542-8678
To ask questions first
Tips for an Effective Presentation
Be specific
State exactly what you want the council to do. "Approve a stop sign" is better than "fix the traffic problem."
Bring evidence
Photos, data, neighbor signatures, or relevant ordinance sections strengthen your case.
Respect the time limit
Practice your remarks. Hit your key points first in case time runs short.
Be respectful
Criticism of policy is protected. Personal attacks are not. Professionalism gets results.
Follow up
If the council directs staff to look into your issue, ask when to expect a response.
Know your audience
Lowry Crossing has a mayor + 8 council members (4 wards Ă— 2 seats). The mayor only votes on ties.
Related Pages
This page is provided for informational purposes only by the Lowry Crossing Civic Hub — an independent site not affiliated with the City of Lowry Crossing. This is not legal advice. For official procedures, contact City Hall at (972) 542-8678.