The Council procedure for the conduct of public hearings is generally as follows:
A. 
The Mayor opens the public hearing.
B. 
Council members may ask questions of staff if they so desire.
C. 
Members of the public, upon being recognized by the Mayor, are provided with the opportunity to speak or present evidence relevant to the matter being heard.
D. 
Members of the Council who wish to ask questions of the speakers or each other during the public hearing portion may do so but only after first being recognized by the Mayor. Interaction with the speakers shall be limited to a question or questions rather than an ongoing dialogue.
E. 
All Council rules pertaining to oral presentation by members of the public apply during public hearings.
F. 
No person will be permitted during the hearing to speak about matters or present evidence that is not germane to the matter being considered. A determination of relevance shall be made by the Mayor, but may be appealed to the full Council.
G. 
The Mayor closes the public hearing.
Proclamations are issued by the Mayor as a ceremonial commemoration of an event or issue. Proclamations are not statements of policy and do not require the approval or action of the Council. Proclamations are a manner in which the City can make special recognition of an individual, event or issue.
The foregoing procedures may be amended, from time to time, by resolution of the Common Council.