The Council shall consider all evidence properly presented in accordance with the rules stated herein and, unless otherwise provided by law, shall render a decision or determination on the matter within 40 days of the close of the hearing; provided, that the moving party may consent to a continuance for a greater period of time for decision. Said decision or determination shall be by motion made and action taken thereon at a regular or adjourned meeting of the Council. Any Councilmember who was not present during the entire hearing or who, in the opinion of the City Attorney, has substantial conflict of interest in the matter shall disqualify himself from discussing or voting on said matter; provided, however, a Councilmember who was in attendance for a substantial portion of the hearing and who has reviewed the testimony by listening to the mechanical recording of the testimony and examining any evidence that has been presented may upon a representation of full understanding of the matter under consideration be allowed to vote. (Ord. 1486 § 2, 1973; prior code § 1.225(5)).