Mechanics of a Public Hearing

A Public Hearing is held to hear testimony on a proposed law, regulation or application that is subject to review by the Board of Trustees, Planning Board, Architectural Review Board or Zoning Board of Appeals. Notice of the hearing must be published in the local newspaper (The Journal News) and posted at the Village Hall, specifying the location and time of the public hearing.

At the hearing, the Clerk or Chair reads the public hearing notice. The public is then invited to comment on the proposal or application. When all who wish to speak have spoken, the meeting is closed to further public comment and the meeting continues. The Board will discuss the proposal or application and, if it wishes, some or all of the public comments. It may move to vote on the proposal, to amend and vote on it, or to postpone action to a later date. Land use boards can close the public hearing and approve the application or vote to continue the public hearing.

Board of Trustees only: A quorum (at least three members) must vote in favor if the proposal is to pass or become law. Once a vote is taken and an item is passed it must go to the State Records & Law Bureau for final approval and filing. Any future changes to the law requires amendment through the above process.