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Liul-mu oppoitia-iity. The council does not deliberate or discuss matters the public hearimr pollion of this type lof meeting; instead, it listens to the public. Once the public co=ent period is f shed, the council will Oflen wrap tip the meeting. , In order to recess or continue a meeting of this sort, the councit should not formally end the public co=ent part of the ficaiing CD11 There are two types ofheaiings, those that are discretionary and those that are required by a specific statute, ordinance r charter provision. 1. Discretionary hearings Many city councils will hold public hearings (,-v(,,n when a law does not require it. Generally, hearings of this t are for the purpose of allo-winf,'T the public to co=ient on a sped fic issue. Suob bearings. can be h-elpful in raising concerns about an issue. that the council naay not have considered. 2. Required hearli'ngs When a specific statute, ordinance or cbarter provision requires that the council. hold a public bearilia Zw the notice reliquirerrients must be followed care filly. Often there are special notice requirements: that are more substantial than the notice that is needed for a simple special meeting, For example, zoning- ordinance arncndments and special assessments have' special notice requirements. Followin cF are several of the rnore coim'non matters that require public hearings: o Street vacation,, a Annexation by ordinance. e Local inaproverrient projects that will be paid for with special assessments. o When special assessments are made to property. e `urchase and improvement of waterworks, sewers, drains, and storm sewers. n 11 1 U S 1 .11 S:, J o Adont'lon of -Q hiii1l'or redexrelopmeiz+ alrthnr�tj 77 sei "t o Adoption of an economic development authority (EDA) enabling resolution. Sale of poft authwity land. o Sale of'EDA land. e Increase of le- y for an FDA. e Continuation of'a, mwiicipal liquor store after a net lass fair two of three consecutive years. a Truth-in-taxation,. a, Adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance. a Subdivision applications. iv Granting of a conditional use permit, * Adoption of a charter amendment by ordinance. , There are other situations that n3ay require public hearings. Contact the League for further informatioll if you are unsure about a particular sitaiation. he oplen meeting', law UZI ME=* a The open meeting law, applies to all governing bodies off' any school district, unorganized territory., county, city, town or other public body, and to any coumaittee, sub-coinmittee, board, department or commission thereof. Thus, the law applies to meetings of all city councils, planning commissions, advisory boards, firefighter r,e,lief associations,, economic development authorities, and housing redevelopment authorities, among others. A, Good Start to Good IGovernance League of Minnesota Cities