At any time that it appears to the presiding officer, or a majority of the Council through the presiding officer, that inadequate evidence has been presented to afford judicious consideration of any matter before the Council at the time of a public hearing, or for other just cause, a continuation of said hearing may be ordered to afford the applicant, the applicant's opponents, or the city staff adequate time to assemble additional evidence for the Council's consideration. Any continuation ordered by the Council through its presiding officer shall be to a date certain, which said date shall be publicly announced in the council chamber and shall constitute notice to the public of the time and place that further evidence will be taken. A public hearing may be continued in the event the matter is to be returned to the Planing Commission for further consideration. In this event, the presiding officer shall publicly state in open council meeting the fact that the matter has been returned to the Planning Commission for consideration and that the council hearing will be continued to a date certain. The public announcements provided for in this section shall constitute notice to the applicant and/or appellant and to all members of the public of the time and place when further evidence will be taken by the Council. The Council shall also have the option to set the matter to a hearing de novo.
(Ord. 1205, passed 11-6-96)