Why this matters
Most Willow Park residents have never spoken at a City Council meeting — and most don't realize they can. Public comment is one of the most direct forms of civic participation available to you. You don't need to be an expert. You don't need to know anyone on the council. You just need to show up and fill out a form.
The council cannot take action on or discuss what you say during public comment if the topic isn't on the agenda — but they are required to listen. And over time, a council that hears from its citizens on the same issues repeatedly takes notice. That's how public pressure creates change at the local level.
Your Legal Right
Texas law prohibits the city from restricting public criticism of the governing body. Under Texas Government Code §551.007, you have the right to criticize city policies, programs, and decisions. The council cannot silence you simply because they disagree with what you're saying.
The basics
Willow Park City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 120 El Chico Trail, Suite A. Meetings are open to the public — anyone can attend and observe, and any resident may speak during the Public Comment period.
Public comment in Willow Park was moved to the end of the agenda (before executive session) by a council vote in March 2026. That means you'll wait through the full agenda before it's your turn to speak. Plan for meetings to run 2–3 hours, sometimes longer.
Step by step
1
Find out when the next meeting is
Check the
Municode meetings hub or the city website at willowparktx.gov. Meetings are typically the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6 PM. Occasionally meetings are moved or cancelled — always verify before driving over.
You can also check WPCN's Meetings page for upcoming meetings and preview reports before you go.
2
Decide what you want to say — and keep it focused
You have 5 minutes. That's roughly 600–700 words spoken at a comfortable pace. One clear, focused point delivered well is far more effective than several points delivered poorly. Write out what you want to say ahead of time. Practice it. Time yourself.
If your topic is on the agenda, you can speak to that specific item. If it's not on the agenda, you can still speak — but the council cannot respond or take action that night. They can propose placing your topic on a future agenda.
3
Arrive at least 10 minutes early
You must fill out a speaker form and turn it in to the City Secretary, Deana McMullen, at least 5 minutes before the meeting starts. If you miss that deadline, you cannot speak that night. Arriving 10 minutes early gives you a comfortable buffer.
City Hall is at 120 El Chico Trail, Suite A. Parking is available in the adjacent lot. The meeting room is the council chambers inside the building.
4
Fill out the speaker form
The speaker form asks for your name, address, and the topic you want to address. You must be a resident of Willow Park or have a direct interest in the matter. Fill it out completely and hand it to the City Secretary before the 5-minute deadline.
Forms are usually available near the entrance of the council chambers or at the City Secretary's station near the front of the room.
5
Wait for Public Comment to be called
Public Comment now takes place near the end of the meeting, just before executive session. This means you'll need to sit through the full agenda first — which can take 2 to 3 hours or more. Bring patience. You are welcome to leave after you speak.
Watching the full meeting before you speak is actually valuable — you'll understand the context of other items and may find your comments connect to things discussed earlier.
6
Approach the podium when your name is called
When the mayor calls public comment, speakers are called in the order they signed up. Walk to the podium or designated speaker location. State your name and address before you begin speaking. This is required — your comments won't be part of the official record without it.
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. The meeting is recorded and streamed live on Facebook, and later archived on YouTube.
7
Address the council — not individual members
Willow Park's rules require that speakers address the City Council as a body, not individual officials, commission members, or employees. You can say "Council, I want to raise a concern about..." — you cannot direct your remarks to "Mayor Palmer" or "Councilmember Smith" specifically.
Keep your tone civil and professional. The rules require speakers to address the council "with civility conducive to appropriate public discussion." Heated or personal attacks may give the mayor justification to end your time early.
8
Wrap up within your 5 minutes
You'll have 5 minutes to speak. If there are more than 10 speakers, the mayor may reduce all speakers to 3 minutes. When your time is up, thank the council and return to your seat. Do not continue speaking after being told your time is up.
End with a clear ask — what do you want the council to do? "I'm asking the council to place this item on the next agenda" or "I'd like the council to direct staff to look into this" gives them something concrete to act on.
Sample opening
Here's a simple, effective way to open your public comment. You don't have to use these exact words — but this structure covers everything you're required to say and sets a professional tone.
Example Opening
"Good evening, Council. My name is [Your Name], and I live at [Your Address] here in Willow Park.
I'm here tonight to speak about [your topic].
[Make your point clearly and specifically. Stick to the facts. If you have a question, ask it directly. If you want action, state what you're asking for.]
Thank you for your time."
Keep it under 5 minutes. One focused point is more effective than five scattered ones.
Do's and don'ts
✓ Do
State your name and address first
Stay focused on one clear point
Address the council as a body
Be specific — use facts, dates, locations
End with a clear ask or request
Be respectful and civil in tone
Sign up at least 5 minutes before start
Bring written notes to stay on track
Watch the meeting before you speak
✕ Don't
Address individual council members or staff by name
Speak from the gallery — only from the podium
Continue speaking after your time is up
Expect the council to respond or debate with you
Make personal attacks on officials
Show up late and expect to speak
Try to speak multiple times in the same meeting
Assume the council will act on your comment immediately
Your legal rights as a speaker
Texas law is clear on this. You have significant legal protections when speaking at a public meeting — and city officials cannot take them away simply because they disagree with what you're saying.
What Texas law protects
You have the right to criticize the city council, its members, and its decisions. The city cannot prohibit public criticism of the governing body or its actions. (Texas Government Code §551.007)
You may only be removed from the podium if your conduct constitutes actual physical or auditory disruption that prevents the meeting from continuing. Critical or offensive speech alone is not grounds for removal. (Morehead v. State, TX Supreme Court)
If the mayor rules you out of order, any council member may make a motion to appeal the ruling. If a second is provided and the motion passes, the mayor's ruling is overturned.
Your comments become part of the official public record once you state your name and address. The meeting is recorded and the video is made publicly available.
What happens after you speak
The council is not permitted to take action on or discuss your public comment during the same meeting if your topic was not on the agenda. However, individual council members may:
Make a statement of fact about your topic. State the city's existing policy on the matter. Propose placing your topic on a future agenda — which is actually the most useful outcome if you want the council to take action.
Don't be discouraged if the council says nothing in response to your comment. That doesn't mean it wasn't heard. Council members talk to staff, and staff talk to each other. Repeated public comments on the same issue from multiple residents over multiple meetings accumulate and create pressure. Civic participation is a long game.
One More Thing
If you're nervous — that's completely normal. Almost everyone is the first time. You don't need to be a lawyer or a politician. You just need to say clearly and calmly what you think. The council members are your neighbors and employees. You hired them.
Can't make it in person?
All Willow Park City Council meetings are streamed live on the City of Willow Park Facebook page and archived on YouTube the following day. You can watch every meeting from home.
While you cannot submit public comment remotely under current rules, watching the meetings — and staying informed through WPCN reports — keeps you ready to participate when you choose to show up in person.
