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SECTION VI (Continued) 2. Public Hearin /Comment a. The purpose of the public hearing and public comment is to provide an opportunity for the public to be heard in support of or in opposition to the matter. In general, the order of speakers for public hearings should be: 1. Project/issue applicant or spokesperson. P sPerson. 2. Members of the public speaking on the project/application. 3. Rebuttal by applicant or spokesperson. i b. No person may speak without first being recognized by the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer shall instruct speakers to: 1. Complete a speaker card with the speaker's name, address, and phone number; 2. Speak from the podium; 3. Give the speaker's name and address before starting the presentation; 4. Keep comments within specified time limits, if any; 5. Avoid repetition; and 6. Direct any questions or comments to the Council. C. Members of the Council may ask questions of speakers, of each other, or of staff, during the public hearing or during the public comment portion of the •-• agenda item to obtain information, but should not express at that time personal opinion or debate the merits of the item under consideration. d. Prior to Council deliberation, an effort will be made to answer questions from all speakers. 3. Council Deliberation and Action a. After determining that no other member of the public wishes to speak, the Presiding Officer shall declare the public hearing and comment opportunity closed, and return the matter to Council for deliberation and action. Thereafter, no additional testimony shall be received by the Council as to the item except the Council may direct questions to staff, the applicant, or to other members of the public before taking action or upon reopening the public hearing or comment opportunity. b. The Council shall take action, if appropriate, on the matter. The Council may discuss/debate the matter before taking action. The Council may at any time continue the matter if additional information is necessary. 13