Title
Policy Referral: Conducting public hearings and adopting related ordinances at the same council meeting
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Monica R. Allen, City Manager’s Office
Andrea Leslie-Fite, City Attorney
Explanation
§ On June 30, 2026, the Mayor made a referral to the committee to determine if changes be made to Council Policy and/procedure for Public Hearings that currently have ordinance changes considered at the same meeting.
§ The committee has been charged with the following:
o Review legal framework on the mandatory and optional public hearing and public comment period,
o Review current practices of City Council and peer cities,
o Review considerations for any related policy or process updates, and
o Determine best practices and make recommendations to full Council.
§ During the committee’s August 24th special meeting, staff explained the legal requirements for public hearings, when hearings are optional, and how other cities handle public hearings, public comment, and voting during the same meeting.
Action: Discussion and feedback