The City Manager shall preside at such hearing. The interested party who requested a hearing may be represented by an attorney. If deemed necessary or appropriate by the City Manager, the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney shall represent the city. The city shall first present the reasons supporting the determination and order made by the Planning and Building Official. The interested party who requested the hearing may then present evidence in opposition to such order and determination. An interested party who did not request a hearing may not participate in the hearing, although such interested party may be a witness. The Nebraska Evidence Rules shall not be in effect at such hearing. The City Manager may allow the parties or their attorneys to argue the matter after the reception of evidence. The City Manager shall not be bound in any manner by the determination and order of the Planning and Building Official but shall consider the matter de novo and shall make an independent decision. The City Manager may affirm, reverse, or modify the determination and order of the Planning and Building Official. The City Manager shall make a written decision within seven days after the conclusion of the hearing and shall notify the parties of such decision in the manner provided in this article.
(Ord. 3805, passed - -2004)