Some items may be scheduled for __________________- with the governing body but only for the purposes of information gathering.

• A. Public Discussion
• B. Formal Hearing
• C. Emergency Session
• D. Vote

Answer: (A)

Public discussion is used when the goal is to gather information from stakeholders and clarify issues without making commitments. It lets the governing body receive input, review background materials, ask questions, and explore options in a transparent, non-binding setting. This differs from a formal hearing, which requires testimony and evidence aimed at a decision; an emergency session, meant for urgent action; and a vote, which is the act of choosing a course of action. Because the item is intended solely for information gathering, public discussion is the correct choice.