Unless otherwise ordered and noticed, hearings shall be held as a part of the regular meetings of the council. The hearing shall be de novo, in that an independent reexamination of the matter shall be made. The appellant shall have the burden of proof in all cases, and where it appears that an appellant was served with notice of hearing but fails to appear either in person or by counsel, or fails to present or offer evidence, the council may adopt the determination or approve the act of the board, commission or officer or it may itself decide the matter upon the record with or without taking any additional evidence. Any oral or documentary evidence may be received, but the mayor shall exclude irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence. Unless demand is made, witnesses will not be sworn. It is not ground for objection that evidence is hearsay or secondary, but the council's decision shall be made upon substantial evidence.
(Prior code § 2-57)