The BOC will allow audience participation at regular and staff meetings. Members of the public may address the Board at a time designated on the Agenda. The presiding officer may limit the amount of time for individuals to speak and this discretion rests solely within the jurisdiction of the presiding officer. The presiding officer will utilize a gavel as needed to maintain order, commence meetings, adjourn meetings and signal approval of motions. Public hearings are formal proceedings advertised in advance through special public notice issued to media and others.
Public hearings are therefore different from audience participation at regular and staff meetings.
Public hearings by the BOC are to provide for the Board an opportunity to hear from members of the public about a specific topic. Such hearings are normally held in the Board Room. All hearing notices will be publicized in accordance with public notice laws. Individuals who wish to testify during BOC meetings and hearings shall do so at the table placed in front of the dais. Individuals testifying will, for the record, first identify themselves, give their address and state who they represent.