(a) The City Council at the hearing may limit participation in the hearing to the directly interested parties, or may allow participation by the public. Such public participation, however, shall only be appropriate when the Council deems the same necessary in the public interest. If a hearing is ordered open to public participation, notice thereof shall be given by posting notice of the same in the public places designated by the City Council not less than five days prior to the date of such hearing, and by such other means as the City Council deems necessary.
(b) At the time of consideration of the appeal by the City Council the appellant shall be limited to a presentation on the specific grounds of appeal and matters set forth in the notice of appeal and shall have the burden of establishing cause why the action appealed from should be altered, reversed or modified. The Council may continue the matter from time to time, and at the conclusion of its consideration may affirm, reverse or modify the action appealed from and may take any action which might have been legally taken in the first instance by the official or body from whose action the appeal has been taken. In ruling on the appeal the findings and action of the Council shall be final and conclusive in the matter.
(3-12/90 § 2.04.130)