§ 2-4. Public hearings.

(a)

Public hearings required by law or deemed advisable by the council shall be organized by a special order, adopted by a majority vote, that sets the subject, date, place and time of the hearing as well as any optional rules regarding the length of time for each speaker, and other pertinent matters. The following rules may include, but are not limited to:

(1)

Fixing the maximum time allotted to each speaker.

(2)

Providing for the designation of spokespersons for groups of persons supporting or opposing the same positions.

(3)

Providing for the selection of delegates from groups of persons supporting or opposing the same positions when the number of persons wanting to attend the hearing exceeds the capacity of the hall.

(4)

Providing for the maintenance of order and decorum in the conduct of the hearing.

(5)

Rules may be adjusted at the time of the hearing by the majority vote of the council.

(b)

All notices and other requirements of the open meetings law applicable to council meetings shall also apply to public hearings at which a majority of the council is present. A public hearing for which any notices required by the open meetings law or other provisions of law have been given may be continued to a time and place certain without further advertisement. The requirements of section 2-30(c) shall be followed in continuing a hearing at which a majority of the council is present.

(c)

At the time appointed for the hearing, the mayor or his designee shall call the hearing to order and then preside over it. When that allotted time expires or when no one wishes to speak who has not done so, the presiding officer shall declare the hearing ended.

(Code 2003, § 2-4; Ord. No. 11-12, § 1(exh. A), 11-17-2011)