Council staff outline public‑hearing notice procedures and remote testimony option

City council staff told attendees at the meeting that public‑hearing notices for conditional‑use requests are mailed to neighboring property owners, published in the Akron Beacon Journal and posted on the city’s website, and that the notices are also included in a weekly “legislative spotlight” email people can sign up to receive. "Public hearing notices for conditional use requests are mailed to the neighboring property owners in accordance with city charter, published in the Akron Beacon Journal, and also posted on our website," a staff member said. "The information is also included in our legislative spotlight. Please consider signing up to receive this weekly email to stay informed on council business." The staff member explained procedures for public testimony: after being sworn in, members of the public may speak in favor of or against proposed legislation, and the city offers the option to give testimony remotely. "After being sworn in, members of the public may speak in favor or against the proposed legislation. We also offer the option to give your testimony remotely," the staff member said. The staff member also described what happens after a public hearing: instructions are included in the meeting notice, and following the hearing the council may either vote on the legislation or take additional time; the item remains on the council’s agenda until the council votes. "Instructions are outlined in the meeting notice. After the public hearing concludes, council may vote on the legislation or they may take time. The item will stay on council's agenda until they vote," the staff member said. The staff member closed by directing people to the city website and the council’s YouTube channel for more information and informational videos.