The council uses the public hearing to gather data and opinions from citizens. It is intended to facilitate the council's decision-making process at a later council meeting. No decisions are made during public hearings. The rules for the public hearing are usually established and presented at the beginning of the hearing. Typically, There is a time limit for presentations, usually three minutes for an individual.
Citizens use the time to present information and add it to the public record.
Public hearings are not an opportunity to question councilmembers. Councilmembers may ask clarification questions of the presenter. Councilmembers will not answer questions from the public at this time. If you have questions they should be directed to the mayor, councilmembers or staff outside of the hearing. The Council makes decisions at a public meeting.