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| A. |
The Chair shall conduct the hearing to provide for a reasonable opportunity for all interested parties to express themselves, as long as the testimony or evidence being given is reasonably related to the purpose of the public hearing and does not exceed five (5) minutes per individual. The Chair may further limit testimony to a reasonable length of time. |
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| B. |
Any persons wishing to speak, other than the applicant, will be required to state their name and relationship to the City, whether residents, visitors, business owners, employees or other, which information, along with their testimony, will be recorded as part of the public hearing. Any person speaking may be questioned by a Councillor or by appropriate members of City Staff. |
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| C. |
The Chair shall rule upon all disputed matters of procedure, unless, on motion duly made, the Chair is overruled by a majority vote of Councillors present. |
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| D. |
The ordinary rules of evidence shall not apply, and Council may receive petitions, exhibits and other relevant documents without formal identification or introduction. The City Clerk shall endeavor to mark exhibits to facilitate clarity of the record. |
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| E. |
When the number of persons wishing to speak threatens to unduly prolong the hearing, the Council may establish a time limit upon each speaker. |
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| F. |
City Staff enters into the public hearing record a copy of public notice as published in the newspaper, all application documents for the proposed project, and a copy of any other written documents that are an appropriate part of the public hearing record. |
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| G. |
The property owner or representative(s) presents evidence and describes the nature of the request. |
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| H. |
Staff presents any additional clarification necessary and states the Planning Commission recommendation. |
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| I. |
All testimony is received from the public, in support, in opposition or asking questions. All questions will be directed through the Chair who will then direct the appropriate person to respond. |
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| J. |
Final comments/rebuttal received from property owner. |
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| K. |
Final comments from City Staff and Staff recommendation. |
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| L. |
Public hearing is closed. |
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| M. |
Public hearing is closed. |
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| N. |
If final action is not to be taken on the same evening as the public hearing, the Chair will advise the audience when the matter will be considered. Councillors not present at the public hearing will be allowed to vote on the matter only if they listen to the tape recording of the public hearing prior to voting. |
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When you are recognized to speak, approach the podium, state your name and relationship to the City, whether resident, visitor, business owner, employee or other, for the record. All comments and testimony shall be made from the podium, no comments or testimony shall be shouted from the audience. |
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Comments and testimony are to be directed to the Chair. Dialogue and inquiries from the person at the podium to members of Staff or the seated audience is not permitted. Inquiries which require Staff response will be referred to Staff by the Chair through the City Manager. |
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Comments that address the approval criteria for each application are most helpful. |
Councillors use electronic devices to access the materials relevant to the public hearing before us. Be assured that it is the common practice of this City Council that these devices are not being used for texting, emailing, or other communications during public hearings.
It is our desire to give everyone an opportunity to speak and be heard in a timely manner and within an atmosphere of respect and diplomacy. These rules are meant to foster that atmosphere. Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to hearing your comments
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