Section R18-1-402. General Public Hearing Procedures

A.      If a general public hearing is required by statute or by rule, the hearing shall be noticed as required in R18-1-401.

B.       The Department shall maximize the opportunity for public participation at a general public hearing and shall consider all of the following when scheduling the general public hearing:

1.        A location in or near the geographical area of the issue addressed in the hearing, and easily accessible to a majority of the affected public;

2.        A time which can facilitate public attendance;

3.        Other hearings concerning the public, in the same geographical area, which may be scheduled for the same time and location.

C.      The Department may schedule persons wishing to speak, and Department personnel knowledgeable about the issue shall be present to provide information.

D.      A general public hearing shall be conducted so as to do both of the following:

1.        Inform the public of the exact nature of the action or issue, and

2.        Allow time for persons to make statements and submit written comments.

E.       The person presiding at a general public hearing shall maintain order and may allot equitable time periods for oral comment by participants.

F.       A general public hearing shall be recorded by means of an electronic device or stenographically.

G.      The record of a general public hearing shall be maintained by the Department and made available for public inspection, during normal business hours, at the location specified in the public notice. The record of the hearing shall include the agenda, written comments submitted before the close of record, and the tape or transcript of the hearing.

Historical Note

Adopted effective July 7, 1988 (Supp. 88-3).