It is standard practice at Bartow City Commission work sessions that input from the general public is not solicited. Although open to the public, those present who do not constitute elected officials or staff members from the various city departments, may not comment.

However, it is not a hard and fast rules and upon occasion, exceptions are made. One such exception was allowed at the Jan. 22 work session. City Commissioner James F. Clements had received an email that he announced he had passed on to City Manager George Long.