(a) At the public hearing required by Section 111.05, the legislation shall be read and shall constitute prima facie evidence of blight on the premises and need for the City to acquire such premises in order to eliminate the blight and prevent recurrence of blight thereon. Thereafter, the owner, person in charge, occupant of the premises or any person having an interest therein may proceed to show cause why the premises should not be declared blighted or the City should not acquire said premises for the purposes of eliminating blight or preventing its recurrence. At the hearing, the owner, person in charge of the premises or occupant may cause to be presented to the Council any records of the City pertaining to issues relevant to the hearing and may examine City employees in regard thereto; provided that the production of such records or the presence of such employees is requested by the owner, person in charge or occupant of the premises in writing at least 24 hours prior to the hearing.
(b) If the owner, person in charge or occupant of the premises does appear and present testimony for the purpose of showing cause why the premises should not be declared blighted or the City should not acquire the premises for the purposes of eliminating the blight and preventing recurrence of blight, the Mayor or his or her designee shall proceed to present evidence to Council of the existence of blight on the premises and need to acquire the premises for elimination of the blight and the prevention of the recurrence of the blight thereon. Members of the public residing in the neighborhood or who may otherwise have knowledge of the condition of such premises may address the Council at the hearing in regard to the proposed action of the City.
(c) Council may adjourn the hearing, from time to time, and grant continuances in order that further argument or evidence can be presented in regard to the existence of blight on the premises, or the need for the City to acquire the premises in order to eliminate blight or prevent the recurrence of blight thereon.
(Ord. 90-2007. Passed 5-21-07.)