[Code 1980 §2-31; CC 1990 §2-40]
Prior to the final passage of any ordinance, any person interested therein shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard thereon before the Council. In addition, persons shall be given the opportunity to present any matter to the Council at the time provided for hearings from citizens in the order of business, and each such person so desiring to speak shall be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes to present the matter to the Council. One (1) hour shall be allotted for such hearings at every regular meeting of the Council. Due consideration shall be given to the number of persons desiring to address the Council; and the Council President, in order to give each person time in which to speak within the one (1) hour time limit, may reduce the maximum time allowed of three (3) minutes as previously set out in order to conform to the intent of this Section. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member thereof. No person, other than the Council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the Council, without the permission of the Presiding Officer.