The procedures for holding a public hearing are as follows:
A. Purpose Of Hearing: The purpose of the public hearing process is to provide the following:
1. An opportunity for citizens to present their views on an issue which may affect them.
2. A definition of the issues upon which a decision is to be made.
3. Essential evidence upon which a decision can be made. To further this process, all material contacts received by public officials outside of the public hearing shall be disclosed prior to the commencement of the public hearing. “Material contacts” shall be defined as those contacts received outside the public hearing process which shall have a significant effect on the opinion of a public official on a given issue.
4. An understanding of whether or not the proposal is in harmony with local ordinances and regulations. City staff reports shall be entered as a part of the public record.
B. Conflict Of Interest: If there is a question of "conflict of interest", as defined by Idaho Code section 67-6506, for any public official, it shall be disclosed prior to the commencement of the hearing.
C. Pros And Cons Prior To All Testimony And Evidence: Public officials shall not bring up the pros and cons of the subject of the hearing prior to all testimony and evidence being submitted.
D. Time Limit For Speakers: At the commencement of the hearing, the chairperson may establish a time limit to be observed by all speakers. Persons representing groups may be given more time than individuals presenting their own views.
E. Opening Statement: The chairperson conducting the hearing shall present an opening statement setting forth the purpose of the hearing and the rules under which it shall be conducted.
F. Recognition By Chairperson: No person shall be permitted to speak at a public hearing until such person has been recognized by the chairperson.
G. Record: A transcribable, verbatim record of hearings shall be made and kept in accordance with Idaho Code section 67-6536. In order to assure accuracy of the record, each person shall speak before the microphone in an orderly and constructive fashion, giving their full name and address and stating their view as briefly as possible.
H. Interruption Of Speakers: Speakers shall not be interrupted by the audience, public officials or city staff until their time limit has expired or until they have completed their comments.
I. Question Speaker: At the conclusion of the speaker's comments, public officials, when recognized, shall be allowed to question the speaker and the speaker shall be limited to answers to the questions asked. The question and answer period shall not be included in the speaker's time limit.
J. Rebuttals: Rebuttals shall only be allowed if they provide new, relevant, and factual information.
K. Hearing Recessed To Later Time: If all sides of the issue cannot be heard in the time allotted, the hearing may be recessed to a later time stated by the chairperson. Persons not having had an opportunity to be heard may sign a roster in order to secure their opportunity to speak at the time stated.
L. Conformance Required: Any person not conforming to these procedures may be prohibited from speaking during a public meeting. Should any person refuse to comply with such prohibition, they may be removed from the room by order of the chairperson. (1974 Code § 1-902)