What are Public Hearing Minutes?

Because a public hearing usually involves a quasi-judicial decision by the council and is therefore subject to review by Montana Municipal Officials Handbook 48 a district court, a verbatim recording should be made of all proceedings of a public hearing conducted by the council or by a subcommittee of the council or by a hearing examiner appointed by the council pursuant to 7-1‐4131, MCA. The tape recording must be retained so that a transcript can later be prepared if required for review in a judicial process. Additionally, procedural minutes should be prepared that include the items noted in Section 2.416 and a clear entry noting the time of the opening and closing of the hearing, the names of all persons testifying during the hearing and a listing of all documents and written statements presented to the council. If the hearing is continued to a certain date, that date should also be included in the minutes of a public hearing.