The hearing will be informal and conducted by the Mayor. The hearing shall be held for the purpose of inquiring into the facts and shall not be an adversary action. Each witness may present testimony in narrative fashion or by question and answer.
The governing body or the applicant may order the hearing to be recorded by an official court reporter or by the Clerk, at the expense of the applicant.
The governing body and its representatives shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence, and shall have full authority to control the procedures of the hearing including the admission or exclusion or testimony or other evidence. The governing body may admit and give consideration to evidence which possesses probative value commonly accepted by reasonably prudent individuals. The Mayor may limit testimony where it appears to be incompetent, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious. If there is opposition to any application and such opposition desires the opportunity to present arguments and to cross-examine the applicant and any witnesses in favor of such application, they shall choose a spokesperson to perform such function who shall notify the Mayor of his/her representation prior to the start of the hearing.