06-19-02 Orientation - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

The agenda should be prepared by the department director or staff person assigned to the Board or Commission. All Boards and Commissions are subject to the Open Meetings Act and their agenda must be properly posted in a public place, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Generally the first order of business on the agenda is the reading, correcting and passing of the minutes from the last meeting. Next are matters properly listed on the agenda, followed by reports from staff or committees. Section 3: Robert's Rules of Order Meetings of Boards and Commissions are generally conducted under standard parliamentary rules as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order. Appendix C contains a quick reference chart for frequently used Robert's Rules of Order. Section 4: Public Hearings Public Hearings are open forums that allow the public an opportunity to express their opinion on a specific issue related to the City of La Porte. Public Hearings are generally conducted in the following manner: 4.1 The Chairman of the Board or Commission formally opens the Public Hearing 4.2 Proponents (those in favor) of measure speak first. 4.3 Opponents (those against) speak second. 4.4 After hearing all who wish to comment on the issue, the proponents are allowed to give a rebuttal and summarize their position, and then the Chairman formally closes the Public Hearing. 4.5 Members of the Board or Commission may ask questions at anytime, of any witness. Board or Commission members are encouraged to ask questions even after the hearing is closed. After the Public Hearing is closed, members of the public may speak ONLY in answer to a question asked by a member of the Board or Commission. 4.6 If a Public Hearing drew a large number of interested citizens, a time limit for individual speakers may be set by the Board or Commission before the Public Hearing. 4.7 The Chairman may use his/her judgement about how strictly this format is followed. Section 5: Quorum A quorum is the minimum number of members needed to officially conduct business. The quorum is generally established by the ordinance, resolution, or other document that establishes the Board or Commission. Where no statement on the quorum number exists, the quorum is the majority of the members.