In all public hearings conducted by Council where the procedure is not otherwise provided by law, procedure shall be as follows:
(a) The Council President shall preside over the meeting.
(b) The Chairman will recognize the party appealing to Council or otherwise wishing to change the status quo, permitting him to make an introductory statement; the Chair shall then recognize the opposing views, including those of residents or members of any City board, commission, department or office, permitting them to make a short introductory statement. In all cases the Chair shall use its discretion concerning the number of persons who may advocate a cause for any one side and the length of time they may speak.
(c) Thereafter each side, in the order in which it was called upon to make statements, may produce any evidence not deemed irrelevant or immaterial by Council acting through the Chair. Once again the Chair shall have discretion to limit the amount, quantity and quality of the evidence.
(d) After all of the evidence has been presented, Council may, through the Chair, request the various positions to submit a short summary statement.
(e) Council shall make its decision by public vote or secret ballot as it so chooses, after having considered the same either in public or in retirement, with the majority of Council prevailing.
(Res. 54-72. Passed 9-12-92; Ord. 09-2020. Passed 1-28-20.)