(a) The Commission may prepare and promulgate its own hearing rules of procedure, which shall be effective thirty days after publication in the Toledo City Journal, and copies thereof shall be provided for distribution to the public. The Commission shall keep a record of its proceedings which shall contain the vote of all members and official action taken. All hearings shall be open to the public, and notice of such hearings shall be promulgated by the secretary in the form of a news release at least five days prior to the date of the hearing.
(b) Unless other procedures are specifically provided by law or adopted by the Commission, the following procedures shall apply at all hearings:
(1) All hearings of appeals shall proceed as in the trial of a civil action, and rules of evidence shall be liberally construed.
(2) All testimony shall be given under oath and shall be duly recorded, and the transcript shall be provided to any party at his expense.
(3) Parties shall have the right to appear and be heard in person, or by counsel, and to present their position, arguments and contentions.
(4) Parties shall also have the right, except as otherwise legally provided, to:
A. Offer and examine witnesses and present evidence in support of their position;
B. Cross-examine adverse witnesses, and offer evidence to refute evidence offered in opposition to their position;
C. Proffer any such evidence into the record, if the admission thereof is denied.
(Ord. 773-90. Passed 7-31-90.)