To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Lisa Anderson, Town Clerk
Title
Resolution Establishing Public Hearing Guidelines for Town Council Meetings
Body
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Executive Summary
At the September 3, 2019 Town Council meeting, Council directed staff to draft a Resolution establishing the order of public speakers during Unscheduled Public Appearances as well as during items scheduled on the agenda. They wished to give priority to Castle Rock residents, then to non-residents representing Castle Rock businesses, followed by non-residents and businesses outside the Town of Castle Rock.
In 2015, Town Council provided staff direction regarding speaking at public hearings. Council wanted to ensure anyone coming to speak to Council had an opportunity, whether it was scheduled on the agenda or regarded another subject during Unscheduled Public Appearances. At times there were Unscheduled comments that drew numerous comments which delayed or caused the continuance of Town business scheduled on the agenda, items that had been published, as well as impacted applicants or individuals who were there specifically for items scheduled on the agenda.
Town Council decided to allow 30 minutes of comments under Unscheduled Public Appearances at the beginning of the meeting, and any remaining speakers that signed up, to be heard after the conclusion of scheduled Town business. This additional time is rarely necessary (staff believes it has been used once since 2015), but it prevents delay or continuance of scheduled items while still allowing public comment. Priority for public comment was first given to residents and then to non-residents.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the attached Resolution to formalize the guidelines desired by Council which have been updated to include the recent direction for the priority of speakers.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title.”
Attachments
Attachment A: Resolution