Prepping for a Thursday public hearing

A North Carolina mountain town prepares to take up a sensitive subject during a public hearing.  The Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners convenes a 7 o’clock hearing Thursday night at the Highlands Community Building for the purpose of receiving public comment on proposed changes to the town’s short-term rental ordinance.  Several public hearing rules will apply including a prohibition against applause and removal from the hearing for anyone who displays disruptive behavior such as shouting at or heckling a speaker making a statement.