Section 6-5 - Hearing Procedure (a) As nearly as practicable, the following order of procedure shall be followed: - (i) The Council shall be present at the hearing and the Council Chairman shall act as presiding officer over the case.
- (ii) The Council Chairman shall announce the hearing is open and call by title the case to be heard. The Council Chairman shall ask if parties are ready to proceed and will allow parties an opportunity to dispose of any preliminary matters.
- (iii) The Council Chairman shall administer the oath to all witnesses who will present testimony.
- (iv) The Council Chairman may, at their discretion, allow evidence to be heard in an order other than prescribed here and shift the burden of proof accordingly.
- (v) Opening statements will be made, Complainant first, then Respondent.
- (vi) The Complainant presents its case including witness testimony. There shall be opportunity for cross-examination by Respondent. The Council may exercise the right to ask questions of witnesses as well.
- (vii) The Respondent presents its case including witness testimony. There shall be opportunity for cross-examination by Complainant. The Council may exercise the right to ask questions of witnesses as well.
- (viii) Closing statements will be made, Complainant first, then Respondent, then the Complainant in rebuttal.
- (ix) The Council Chairman may limit the time for opening and closing statements.
- (x) The Council Chairman may recess the proceedings as appropriate.
- (xi) After all parties have had an opportunity to be heard, the Council Chairman shall excuse all witnesses and close the evidence.
- (xii) All deliberations will be done in an open meeting.