Public Hearing Procedures City of Tigard
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Public Hearing Procedures
What's a public hearing? Hearing Procedures
A public hearing is an opportunity in which any person shall be A typical public hearing is structured as follows:
able to comment on a given subject.
1. Open Public Hearing
Sample Agenda Item Titles The Mayor or presiding member will announce the public
Public Hearing: Consider Resolution Approving Utility Fee Additions hearing is open.
and Changes in the Master Fees and Charges Schedule; Legislative 2. Staff Report
Public Hearing: Consider an Ordinance to Enact 20 MPH Speed City staff will summarize the written staff report and explain
Zones in Tigard. any proposed amendments.
Types of Hearings 3. Public Testimony
■ General public hearings may relate to changes to fees or Those in favor of the proposed amendments testify. Then
adoption of a budget supplemental. those who oppose the amendments or who have questions
or concerns testify. Council members may ask the staff and
■ Legislative public hearings often relate to enacting or amending the witnesses questions throughout the hearing until the
a City ordinance or City code(Tigard Municipal Code). record closes.
■ Quasi-judicial public hearings relate to land use proceedings.
At the opening of the hearing,the City Attorney will read a 4. Staff Response
statement identifying the substantive criteria the Council's After all testimony is taken,the City staff can make a
decision must be based upon,found in City code. closing statement.
Conflicts of Interest 5. Council Discussion
Members of the City Council will be asked whether they have any After the record is closed,the City Council will deliberate.
conflicts of interest. If a Council member has an actual conflict, During deliberations,the City Council may re-open the public
the Council member cannot participate. If a Council member has portion of the hearing to receive additional comments before
a potential conflict,-- making a decision.
Ex Parte Contacts 6. Close Public Hearing
Council members must declare any contacts about this case with The Mayor or presiding member will announce the public
a member of the public. Council members must also declare if hearing is closed.
they have independent knowledge of relevant facts,such as from 7, City Council Consideration
a visit to the site in question. A Council member who describes ex A Councilor may make a motion to approve or amend the item
parte contacts or independent information shall state whether the under consideration.
contact has impaired his impartiality or ability of the member to
vote on the matter.
Challenge to Participation
After the discussion of conflicts and ex parte contacts, any person
may challenge the participation of a Council member or rebut any
statements made. The Council member in question may respond
to such a challenge