A. Oral Testimony:
1. Time Limitation On Oral Testimony: 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 shall comply with any time restrictions established by the presiding officer;
d. Testimony should not be personally malicious;
e. It may be required that persons wishing to give testimony will be asked to sign a statement prior to the beginning of the hearing stating their wishes to give testimony; in such cases, only those persons who have expressed such a desire will be heard; and
f. In such cases and where an allotted time has been given, a person may give his or her time to a spokesperson in order for them to have adequate time to present their testimony.
B. Written Testimony:
1. Compliance With Standards: Written testimony submitted for inclusion in the record of any public hearing shall comply with the following standards:
a. Written testimony must be submitted prior to the time announced for the hearing;
b. Written testimony shall include the signature and address of the submitter;
c. Written testimony should address the issue at hand;
d. Written testimony should not be personally malicious; and
e. The presiding officer shall require an oral reading of such written testimony.
2. Failure To Comply: If written testimony fails to comply with the aforementioned standards, the presiding officer may declare such testimony inadmissible. (Ord. 84-2, 3-19-1984)