Before making a decision on an appeal or an application for a variance, or a conditional use permit, or a Zoning Map amendment, or a petition from the planning staff to revoke a conditional use permit, the Board of Aldermen shall hold a hearing on the appeal or application.

Subject to Subsection (C), the hearing shall be open to the public and all persons interested in the outcome of the appeal or application shall be given an opportunity to present evidence and arguments and ask questions of persons who testify.

The Board of Aldermen may place reasonable and equitable limitations on the presentation of evidence and arguments and ask questions of the persons who testify.

The Board of Aldermen may continue the hearing until a subsequent meeting and may keep the hearing open to take additional information up to the point a final decision is made. No further notice of a continued hearing need be published unless a period of six (6) weeks or more elapses between hearing dates.

The City Administrator shall give notice of any hearing required by Article VII, Section 400.325 as follows:

The provisions of this Section apply to all hearings for which a notice is required by Article VII, Section 400.325.

All persons who intend to present evidence to the permit-issuing board, rather than arguments only, shall be sworn.

All findings and conclusions necessary to the issuance or denial of the requested permit or appeal (crucial findings) shall be based upon reliable evidence. Competent evidence (evidence admissible in a court of law) shall be preferred whenever reasonably available, but in no case may crucial findings be based solely upon incompetent evidence unless competent evidence is not reasonably available, the evidence in question appears to be particularly reliable, and the matter at issue is not seriously disputed.

In response to questions or comments by persons appearing at the hearing or to suggestions or recommendations by the Board of Aldermen, the applicant may agree to modify his application, including the plans and specifications submitted.

Unless such modifications are so substantial or extensive that the Board of Aldermen cannot reasonably be expected to perceive the nature and impact of the proposed changes without revised plans before it, the Board may approve the application with the stipulation that the permit will not be issued until plans reflecting the agreed upon changes are submitted to City Hall.

Accurate minutes shall be kept of all such proceedings, but a transcript need not be made.

Whenever practicable, all documentary evidence presented at a hearing as well as all other types of physical evidence shall be made a part of the record of the proceedings and shall be kept by the City for at least two (2) years.

Any decision made by the Board of Adjustment or the Board of Aldermen regarding an appeal or variance or issuance or revocation of a special use permit shall be reduced to writing and served upon the applicant or appellant and all other persons who make a written request for a copy.

In addition to a statement of the Board of Aldermen's ultimate disposition of the case and any other information deemed appropriate, the written decision shall state the Board of Aldermen's findings and conclusions, as well as supporting reasons or facts, whenever this Chapter requires the same as a prerequisite to taking action.