"Conducting Meetings and Hearings"
Length: 1 hour
This session addresses the goals and requirements associated with holding meetings, in contrast to the purposes and legal requirements surrounding a public hearing. It explores the role of the chairperson in conducting effective meetings and hearings, and includes a discussion of how to manage the public and the media in the context of a hearing or meeting. Also addressed are aspects of the Open Meetings Law, including executive sessions, quorums, minutes, and public notices.
NOTE: Online courses are not available for in-service credit for code enforcement officers, continuing legal education credit for attorneys, or certification maintenance credit for members of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Some courses will produce a certificate at the end, and others will only produce your quiz results. The quiz results page should be used as proof of your training.
Resources Provided by the Department of State:
Online Glossary » Downloadable Glossary » (pdf)
Conducting Public Meetings and Public Hearing » (pdf)
A review of the procedures governing public meetings and hearings.Guide to Planning and Zoning Laws of New York State » (pdf)
Relevant laws, including statutory changes from the 2006 Legislative Session.Committee on Open Government »
Your Right to Know »
This publication provides information about the Freedom of Information Law and the Open Meetings Law.Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Advisory Opinion Index »
Search this database for advisory opinions regarding access to government records. For example, choose “M” for “Minutes, Contents of” to learn more about the required elements for minutes of all public bodies; choose “I” to learn more about access to “Inter-Agency and Intra-Agency” communications, or parts thereof.Open Meetings Law (OML) Advisory Opinion Index »
Search this database for advisory opinions regarding public meetings. For example, choose “P” to learn more about “Public Participation” at a meeting; choose “E” to learn more about conducting “Executive Sessions.”
Links to Other Resources:
Town of Orchard Park Alternate Member Law » (pdf)
Town of Niskayuna Subscription Webpage »