Council Communication

Potential Changes to Public Hearing Format for Planning Actions - Order of Testimony
Meeting Date:	January 18, 2005		Primary Staff Contact:	John McLaughlin, 552-2043 mac@ashland.or.us
Department:	Community Development		Secondary Staff Contact:
Contributing Departments:	Legal
Approval:	Gino Grimaldi

Statement: During a presentation on "Making Land Use Decisions" at a study session in August, 2005, the City Council discussed the possibility of changing the public hearing format, specifically involving the order of testimony for land use appeals. The discussion centered on the order of testimony after the applicant makes their 15 minute presentation. It was discussed that it may be best for the appellant or organized opposition to make their 15 minute presentation. The following public testimony would be then limited to five minutes per speaker, and the speakers would alternate between those in favor and those opposed. The attached document "Mayor's Guide" has been modified to reflect the discussion of the Council.
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Background: Recent appeal have resulted in extended public hearings, and with the current format, much of the proponent testimony is heard during one council meeting, then the hearing is continued to the next meeting two weeks later, where predominantly opponent testimony is received. The Council discussed that the alternating of testimony would allow for a more balanced presentation of the issues.
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Related City Policies: From the Comprehensive Plan, Policy III-3: "Ensure in the future that all citizens are given the opportunity to contribute their views to planning issues through the public hearing process."
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Council Options: The Council could choose to modify the order of testimony as presented in the attached document, or leave the hearing format as it currently stands.
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Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Council move to approve the modified hearing format regarding order of testimony.
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Potential Motions: Move to approve the change in hearing format regarding order of testimony.
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Attachments: •  "Mayor's Guide - Public Hearing Format for Land Use Hearings" •   Minutes - August 4, 2004 Council Study Session

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