The city commission has released ground rules for Monday night’s public hearing on two proposed smoking ordinances.
The hearing will be at 7 p.m. Monday in the Little Theater of the Civic Auditorium, 111 E. Sixth Ave.
According to a news release, the purpose of the hearing is to obtain testimony from the public regarding proposed ordinances regulating smoking in public areas. A copy of both proposed ordinances can be found on the city’s Web site, www.emporia-kansas.gov. The public may comment in support of or opposition to either ordinance or recommend modifications to either ordinance. The city has established the following ground rules for the hearing:
• Testimony will be limited to 5 minutes unless authorized to be extended by the city commission.
• Speakers must state their names and addresses.
• Comments shall be limited to the issue of the proposed smoking regulations.
• Members will be allowed one opportunity to speak. If time permits, the commission may allow speakers a second opportunity to speak after all others have had an opportunity to speak.
• Personal attacks, innuendo or other inappropriate comments will be prohibited.
• Comments from the audience during a speaker’s comments will be forbidden. Courtesy shall be shown toward all speakers.
• Audience members and speakers who do not follow these ground rules will be asked to leave after receiving one warning. Failure to leave when directed will result in expulsion from the meeting.
• The hearing is scheduled to end at 9 p.m. The commission may extend the hearing if it determines it is warranted or schedule a second hearing at a later date. the length of the hearing or establishing additional hearings will be at the sole discretion of the city commission.
Questions about the public hearing may be directed to the city manager’s office, 522 Mechanic St., or by calling 343-4250.