(a) Within 60 days after the filing of an application for tentative approval of a planned residential development pursuant to this subchapter, a public hearing pursuant to public notices on such application shall be held by Council in the manner prescribed for the enactment of an amendment to a zoning ordinance. The President of Council or, in his or her absence, the Vice-President of Council or its designated agency may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. All testimony by witnesses at any hearing shall be given under oath and every party of record at a hearing shall have the right to cross-examine adverse witnesses.
(b) A verbatim record of the hearing shall be caused to be made by Council, whether or not such records are requested by any party to the proceedings, but the cost of making and transcribing such a record shall be borne by the party requesting it and the expense of copies of such records shall be borne by persons who wish to obtain such copies. All exhibits accepted in evidence shall be identified and the reason for any exclusion shall be clearly noted in the record.
(c) Council may continue the hearing from time to time and may refer the matter back to the Planning Commission for a report, provided that, in any event, the public hearing or hearings shall be concluded within 60 days after the date of the first public hearing.
(d) The Municipality may offer a mediation option as an aid in completing proceedings authorized by this section and by subsequent sections in this subchapter prior to final approval by Council. In exercising such an option, the Municipality and mediating parties shall meet the stipulations and follow the procedures set forth in Article IX of the PA Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 as amended.
(Ord. 5139. Passed 11-27-13.)