1-8-3: ORDER AND RULES OF PUBLIC HEARINGS:

   A.   Order Of Events: Public hearings shall follow the order of events set forth below:

      1.   Explanation of subject of hearing;

      2.   Presentation by applicant;

      3.   Testimony from audience in favor of and/or against proposal;

      4.   Questioning of involved parties by participants of the hearing;

      5.   Closure or oral testimony from applicant and audience;

      6.   Discussion of hearing subject among city council or commission members. Questions may also be directed to city staff during this period;

      7.   Conclusion of hearing process.

   B.   Oral Testimony:

      1.   Time Limitations: The presiding officer may limit the time allotted to presentation of oral testimony at a public hearing. Any such allocation of time shall provide for a reasonable opportunity for proponents and opponents of an issue to be heard.

      2.   Standards For Oral Testimony: Oral testimony made at a public hearing shall comply with the following standards:

         a.   Testimony should directly address the subject at hand.

         b.   Testimony should not be repetitious with other entries into the record.

         c.   Testimony should not be personally malicious.

         d.   Testimony shall comply with any time restrictions established by the presiding officer.

If oral testimony fails to comply with the aforementioned standards, the presiding officer may declare such testimony to be out of order and require it to cease. (Ord. 80, 8-31-1982)

   C.   Standards For Written Testimony: Written testimony submitted for inclusion in the record of any public hearing shall comply with the following standards:

      1.   Written testimony must be submitted to the city clerk no less than five (5) working days prior to the day on which the public hearing is scheduled.

      2.   Written testimony shall include the signature and address of the submitter.

      3.   Written testimony should address the issue at hand.

      4.   Written testimony should not be personally malicious.

      5.   The presiding officer shall require an oral acknowledgment of such written testimony having been submitted.

      6.   If written testimony fails to comply with the aforementioned standards, the presiding officer may declare such testimony inadmissible. (Ord. 419, 3-26-2002)

   D.   Rules By Presiding Officer: All rulings shall be decided by the presiding officer of any board conducting a public hearing with right of appeal to the council by any member present.

   E.   Robert's Rules Of Order: Robert's rules of order shall govern the conduct of all public hearings in which the rules are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the bylaws, special rules of order of the city council or of any board or commission or the laws of the state of Idaho. (Ord. 80, 8-31-1982)