At the City of Boardman, and throughout Oregon, most decisions concerning land use, zoning, budgeting, the enactment or change of the laws, and many other matters are required to go through a “public hearing” so citizens may have a say in the decision. A public hearing is your opportunity to tell the decision makers what you would like done. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your testimony at a public hearing, whether it is before the City Council, Planning Commission, or Budget Committee.
Before the hearing:
• Be informed: Learn about the hearing, read up or interview people on the subject before you plan your testimony.
• Know the law: Become familiar with the laws involved in the hearing so your testimony does not ask the officials to violate that law.
• Be familiar with the public hearing process: For land use decisions please see the City of Boardman Development Code Chapter 4.1.500-4.1.600.
• Anticipate questions: Try to anticipate questions and how you will answer them.
During the hearing:
• Arrive early so you don’t miss anything.
• Be bold: If you have an idea, submit it. If you have a question, ask it.
• Be reasonable: Remember everyone has different views and opinions. Be open and prepared to compromise. Express feelings you have in a courteous manner.
• Remember your objective: When speaking about an issue or idea, have a solution or conclusion ready.
• Speak to the point: Don’t get sidetracked on other issues. Speak about the subject at hand.
• State your recommendations clearly: Don’t expect others to guess or understand you, explain when needed.
After a hearing for land use matters:
• If the Planning Commission or City Council grant a continuance, the completion of the hearing shall be continued to a certain date, time, and place.
• If the Planning Commission or City Council leave the record open for additional written evidence or testimony, the record shall be left open for at least seven days after the hearing. A specific schedule will be slated.
• A Notice of Decision will be mailed to the applicant and to all participants of record within five business days after the hearing body’s decision.
