Closed record hearings shall serve to provide guidance for the hearing body’s decision and shall be conducted in accordance with the Town Council’s rules of procedure as provided for public meetings. The closed record hearing shall include the following guidelines:

A. The Town Council shall be responsible to review the application, staff report, minutes of the open public hearing, and the findings and conclusions, or reasons for decisions or recommendations. The Town Council may, by motion passed by a majority, continue the hearing to review audio or audio--visual tapes or other evidence from the open hearing not available at the closed hearing.

B. Members of the Town Council shall state whether they have had any ex parte contact or whether a member has a personal or business interest in the application. Town Council shall afford parties an opportunity to challenge the impartiality of the Town Council or its members.

C. No new evidence or testimony shall be given or received. Timely written or oral statements or arguments may be submitted at the discretion of the chair. (Ord. 319 §XII, 1996)