Commission adds standing public comment and schedules formal hearing for July 31

Commissioners voted to add a standing public‑comment period at the start of each regular meeting and to schedule a formal public hearing after draft proposals are published. The motion specified time limits to ensure meetings can complete scheduled business; commissioners discussed a typical structure of three minutes per speaker and a cap on total open‑forum time.

A commissioner moved to place public comment at the beginning of each meeting and to schedule a public hearing after the commission has drafted proposals; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Another motion set the formal hearing date for July 31; staff was directed to publish the hearing notice consistent with code requirements.

Staff clarified the difference between a public hearing and routine public comment: a hearing is formally opened, records testimony as part of the hearing record and is often used for matters that can produce standing for appeals, while routine public comment can be included on regular agendas for general input.

Commissioners asked staff to provide options for how many hearings to hold, whether to solicit comment early in drafting or only after presenting a draft, and how to structure time limits for speakers. Staff suggested customary limits (for example, three minutes per speaker with a 20‑minute total cap) and offered to return proposed hearing logistics and notice language.