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Practical Advise for Conducting Public Hearings Page 4 <br /> compliance with the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance standards. This <br /> segment is also important for constitutional reasons in that it gives the applicant <br /> the opportunity to challenge any statements or information presented in the planning <br /> record regarding the merits of the proposal. <br /> VI. QUESTIONS FOR THE APPLICANT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION, C= <br /> COUNCIL. OR BOARD <br /> This segment provides the opportunity for the Planning Commission to ask whatever <br /> questions they have about information that has been presented by the applicant or <br /> included in any materials that he /she may have submitted for their review. Before <br /> opening up the meeting for public comment, this provides the Planning Commission <br /> with the opportunity to ask any questions that they feel may clarify the issue either <br /> in their own minds or in the minds of the general public. <br /> VII. QUESTIONS FOR THE APPLICANT FROM THE PUBLIC <br /> This is the segment in the proceedings in which the public has the opportunity to <br /> ask any questions of the applicant. No statements either for or against the proposal <br /> will be accepted at this point. This ensures that prior to the presentation of any <br /> formal statements, either in favor of or in opposition to a proposal, that all <br /> opportunities have been provided for questions to be asked and answered. <br /> VIII. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION <br /> This is a particularly important part of the proceedings if the proponents are in the <br /> minority. The Chair must be very careful to allow equal and unimpeded <br /> opportunities for people who wish to speak in favor of the proposal. Large crowds <br /> can intimidate minority viewpoints and exhibit bullying tactics, catcalls, booing, and <br /> other intimidating techniques. <br /> IX. STATEMENTS IN OPPOSITION TO THE APPLICATION WITH REASONS <br /> Again, the Chair encourages people to keep their comments as concise as possible <br /> and as accurate as possible and reminds the public that they need to be factual <br /> with the evidence that they present for consideration. The Chair can remind people <br /> that if they share the same viewpoint, they could appoint a spokesperson and that <br /> extensive, repetitive testimony will not be accepted. <br /> X. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING DISCUSSION AMONG BOARD MEMBERS <br /> XI. TAKE ACTION EITHER TO CONTINUE, DENY, APPROVE, OR APPROVE WITH <br /> CONDITIONS <br />