HEARING FORMAT
Unless amended by the Planning Commission, the formal agenda is followed. Presentations are generally conducted in the following manner:

1. The Planning Commission performs a roll call, revises and/or approves minutes from previous meetings, and opens up the hearing to items that were not placed on the formal agenda. At this time, the public is allowed to comment on non-agenda items and/or introduce possible items to be incorporated into the current or a future agenda.

2. Staff introduces the agenda item, the applicant, and owners (if present), and identifies the purpose of the agenda item, e.g. the applicant is requesting a use permit for a reduction in setback standards. Next, staff will state the findings that were used as criteria for evaluating the project followed by aspects of the project relevant to those findings. Staff will then make a recommendation either supporting approval or denial of the project.

3. The applicant will then be invited by the Planning Commission to make a statement and/or comment on the referenced project.

4. The public is allowed to comment on the project after presentations made by staff and the applicant.

5. The Planning Commission, after hearing all testimony from staff, the applicant, and the public, deliberates and considers whether to:

   1. Approve the project via resolution as presented;
   2. Approve the project via resolution with additional conditions;
   3. Deny approval of the project; or
   4. Instruct staff to schedule the item for a future hearing date to continue their deliberation and/or presentation of evidence and testimony.

6. After all items on the agenda have been addressed, the Planning Commissioner adjourns the meeting.

GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC SPEAKERS
These guidelines are intended to assist public speakers in commenting on a project or non-agenda item. Although it is not mandatory to follow the format given below, it is a recommended guideline.

In commenting on an issue or item, the Applicant should follow the format provided below:

1. Prior to publicly speaking before the Commission, complete a Speaker Card and hand it to the Planning Secretary or person taking minutes for the hearing. Staff will hand the speaker cards to the Chair of the Planning Commissioner. When the Chair opens the public hearing for non-agenda and agenda items, the Commissioner will call the names of those persons who have completed speaker cards with respect to the item referenced on the speaker card.

2. After your name is called, you may approach the podium, and

   1. Greet the Planning Commission, e.g. "Good evening Commissioners..."

   2. State your name for the record,

   3. State your purpose for addressing the Commission and briefly provide an overview of your issue, e.g. "I am a resident of El Cerrito and I would like to bring attention to...",

   4. Succinctly state your concerns and conclude your comment/request, e.g. "My concern is that...thank you for hearing my request".

Additional Suggestions:

• Be on time. Typically, the formal agenda is followed in order of the items places on the agenda. However, the Commission may alter the placement of items on the agenda during the meeting, so it behooves applicants to be present when the hearing begins. Once the Planning Commission closes the public hearing and makes a decision, the item is no longer open for discussion or deliberation.

• If possible, complete a Speaker Card prior to the start of the Planning Commission meeting. Those persons who complete Speaker Cards will be heard before persons who do not complete a Speaker Card. If you do not have the opportunity to complete a Speaker Card prior to the start of the hearing, complete one and hand it to the Planning Secretary/minute taker before you address the Planning Commission.

• Be concise. Identify concerns/issues that are relevant to either the non-agenda-item or agenda item at hand. Provide focused comments only to those issues raised or discussed. The Planning Commission meetings are public hearings. Being concise demonstrates a respect for the public hearing process in that it allows other adequate time to speak. Being concise is appreciated by the Commissioners and the public.