1. (a) A public meeting is intended for the taking of public comment, and is not a contested case under the APA.
2. (b) During technical review of the application, the applicant, in cooperation with the executive director, may hold a public meeting in the county in which the facility is located or proposed to be located in order to inform the public about the application and obtain public input.

3. (c) At any time, the executive director or Office of Public Assistance may hold public meetings. The executive director or Office of Public Assistance shall hold a public meeting if:

   1. (1) the executive director determines that there is a substantial or significant degree of public interest in an application;
   2. (2) a member of the legislature who represents the general area in which the facility is located or proposed to be located requests that a public meeting be held; or
   3. (3) when a public meeting is otherwise required by law.
4. (d) The applicant shall attend any public meeting held by the executive director or Office of Public Assistance. A tape recording or written transcript of the public meeting shall be made available to the public.
5. (e) Public notice of the meeting shall be given as required by §39.411(d) of this title (relating to Text of Public Notice).

Source Note:The provisions of this §55.154 adopted to be effective October 20, 1999, 24 TexReg 9015.