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27 29 <br /> may compel the attendance of an absent member by ordering the <br /> sheriff to take the member into custody. <br /> Comment: See G.S. 153A-43. Compelling the attendance of a <br /> member by ordering the sheriff to take the person into custody <br /> is an extraordinary remedy intended for use when a member <br /> obstinately refuses to attend meetings for the purpose of <br /> preventing action on a proposal.If the board contemplates using <br /> this power,it should give the absent members notice that their <br /> attendance is required by the majority and may be compelled in <br /> this manner. <br /> Rule 28. Public Hearings. Public hearings required by law or <br /> deemed advisable by the board shall be advertised per legal <br /> requirements and staff shall set forth the subject, date, place, <br /> and time of the hearing as well as any rules regarding the length <br /> of time allotted to each speaker and designating representatives <br /> to speak for large groups. At the appointed time, the chair shall <br /> call the hearing to order and preside over it. When the allotted <br /> time expires, or earlier, if no one wishes to speak who has not <br /> done so, the presiding officer shall entertain or make a motion to <br /> end the hearing or adjourn the public hearing to another board <br /> meeting, or vote on the item. The board shall thereafter resume <br /> the regular order of business. <br /> Anyone wishing to speak during a public hearing must first <br /> provide his or her name and address to the Clerk to the Board. <br /> Comment: G.S. 153A-52 provides that public hearings may be <br /> held anywhere within the county and gives the board authority <br /> to adopt rules governing the hearings. <br /> Rule 29. Quorum at Public Hearings. A quorum of the board <br /> shall be required at all public hearings required by law. <br /> Comment:G.S.153A-52 implies that a quorum of governing board <br /> members is necessary for a public hearing by providing that a <br /> hearing shall be deferred to the next business meeting if a quo- <br /> rum is not present at the originally scheduled time. However,if <br /> the board decided to hold a public hearing not required by law <br /> to gather a consensus of public opinion on an issue,the hearing <br /> could be held at several different sites, with a few members at <br /> each site. <br />