(A) Public hearing may be held by Village Council in conformance with other regulations of the village and the Ohio Revised Code such as zoning, budget meetings, and the like.
(B) The Mayor shall preside over these hearings and generally follow the rules set forth herein.
(1) The purpose of a public hearing is to solicit comment on both sides of an issue, and the Mayor shall attempt to provide equal time for citizens on either side to be heard. Courtesy shall be extended to all speakers, and unruly outbursts or interruptions will not be tolerated.
(2) Speakers must limit their comments to the issue before Council. No more than five minutes will be allocated to any individual speaker until all who wish to speak have been heard at least once.
(3) All questions regarding a particular issue shall be directed to the Mayor. The Mayor may respond directly, or may redirect the question to a more appropriate member of the Administration or Council. Council may choose to respond during the hearing, or it may elect to respond at a later time after researching the issue and forming its response.
(4) The Mayor shall not allow vulgar or profane language, personal attacks on other residents, members of Council, or the Administration. Unruly persons may be ejected from the meeting by the police if necessary.
(Res. 08-45, passed 12-29-2008)