[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees
of the Village of Saranac Lake 12-19-1950 (Ch. 44 of the 1965 Code); amended in its entirety at time
of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I). Subsequent
amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
The Village of Saranac Lake finds that providing opportunities for
the public to participate in the decisionmaking process and express
their views, concerns, or objections regarding matters of public interest
or significance is of paramount importance. While the Village encourages
public participation through a variety of informal means, formal public
hearings are an important method to provide this opportunity. The
Village Board is required to hold public hearings when adopting changes
to zoning regulations, for the disposition of public property, adopting
or amending local laws, approving capital improvements, adopting the
Village budget, or administering certain federal programs. The Village
Board may also conduct a public hearing at any time on any subject
for which they wish to obtain public input.
B.
Public hearings serve several important purposes:
(1)
Transparency. Public hearings ensure transparency in the decisionmaking
process by allowing the public to witness and understand the considerations
and factors involved in a given matter.
(2)
Public input: Public hearings provide a platform for the public to
voice their opinions, share their experiences, and provide feedback
on proposed projects, policies, or regulations. This input helps decision-makers
better understand the potential impacts and perspectives of the affected
individuals or groups.
(3)
Informed decisionmaking: Public hearings allow decision-makers to
gather additional information, facts, and insights from the public,
which can contribute to more informed and well-rounded decisionmaking.
The input received during public hearings helps shape policies, plans,
and projects that reflect the needs and interests of the community.
(4)
Accountability: Public hearings promote accountability by ensuring
that the decisionmaking process is open to public scrutiny and oversight.
By providing an opportunity for public participation, public hearings
help hold the Village government accountable for its actions and decisions.
(5)
Legal requirements: In some cases, public hearings are mandated by
state statutes, local laws, or ordinances. Village governments are
legally obligated to conduct public hearings on certain matters, including
changes to zoning regulations, adoption of local laws, or disposition
of public property. Public hearings ensure compliance with these legal
requirements.
C.
This chapter regulates the scheduling, noticing, and conducting of
public hearings.
A.
The Village Board will follow Robert's Rules of Order when conducting
a public hearing.
