CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

AUGUST 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE TO READERS: City Council meeting packets are prepared several days prior to the meetings. Timely action and short discussion on agenda items is reflective of City Council's prior review of each issue with time, thought and analysis given. Many items have been previously discussed at a City Council Study Session. Members of the audience are invited to speak at the City Council meeting. Public Comment (Section 5) is reserved for comments on any issues or items pertaining to City business except those for which a formal public hearing is scheduled under Section 10 when the Mayor will call for public testimony. Please limit comments to no more than 5 minutes duration.

PLEASE NOTE: The City Council meeting will be offered in-person and virtually.  The City Council and community members are encouraged to listen to the meeting via the traditional webcast (www.youtube.com/user/WestminsterCO/live).

GENERAL PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES ON LAND USE MATTERS

A.

The meeting shall be chaired by the Mayor or designated alternate. The hearing shall be conducted 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. The Chair has the authority to limit debate to a reasonable length of time to be equal for both positions.

B.

Any person wishing to speak other than the applicant will be required to fill out a "Request to Speak or Request to have Name Entered into the Record" form indicating whether they wish to comment during the public hearing or would like to have their name recorded as having an opinion on the public hearing issue. Any person speaking may be questioned by a member of Council or by appropriate members of City Staff.

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. 

D.

The ordinary rules of evidence shall not apply, and Council may receive petitions, exhibits and other relevant documents without formal identification or introduction.

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.

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.

G.

The property owner or representative(s) presents evidence and describes the nature of the request.

H.

Staff presents any additional clarification necessary and states the Planning Commission recommendation.

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.

J.

Final comments/rebuttal received from property owner

K.

Final comments from City Staff and Staff recommendation.

L.

Public hearing is closed.

M.

Council may: approve; approve with conditions; deny; remand to Planning Commission; continue to a date/time certain; or other. 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.

N.

The following statement may be read by the Chair at the outset of the public hearing: We welcome your input. Because we will strive to proceed through the public hearing in a timely manner, we require that all persons observe the following rules with respect to comments and testimony:

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.

 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.

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