(a) At the public hearing required by Section 1104.08, the legislation shall be read and shall constitute prima facie evidence of blight on the premises and the need for the City to acquire such premises in order to eliminate the blight and prevent recurrence of blight thereon. Thereafter, the owner or owners, person in charge, occupant of the premises or any person having an interest therein may proceed to show cause why the premises should not be declared blighted or the City should not acquire said premises for the purposes of eliminating blight or preventing its recurrence. At the hearing, the owner or owners, person in charge of the premises or occupant may cause to be presented to the committee or committees of Council any records of the City pertaining to issues relevant to the hearing and may examine City employees in regard thereto; provided that the production of such records or the presence of such employees is required by the owner or owners, person in charge or occupant of the premises in writing at least 24 hours prior to the hearing.
(b) If the owner or owners, person in charge or occupant of the premises does appear and presents testimony for the purpose of showing cause why the premises should not be declared blighted or the City should not acquire the premises for the purposes of eliminating the blight and preventing recurrence of blight, the director or directors requesting the legislation, or designated representatives, shall proceed to present evidence to the committee or committees of Council of the existence of blight on the premises and the need to acquire the premises for elimination of the blight and the prevention of the recurrence of the blight thereon. Members of the general public residing in the neighborhood or who may otherwise have knowledge of the condition of such premises may address the committee or committees at the public hearing in regard to the proposed action by the City. The committee or committees of Council may adjourn the public hearing, from time to time, and grant continuances in order that further argument or evidence can be presented in regard to the existence of blight on the premises or the need for the City to acquire the premises in order to eliminate blight or prevent the recurrence of blight thereon.
(Ord. 07-17. Passed 1-17-07.)