(a) Upon the filing of an application, the city shall cause to be given to each and every taxicab operator in the city a due and reasonable notice, in writing. Notice of the hearing shall set forth the time and place of the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted by the governing body of the city for all persons interested in, or affected by, the application.
(b) All persons interested in, or affected by, the application, including all carriers at the time rendering any type of for-hire service in the city, shall have the right either in person or by representatives of their own choosing, to be present at all such hearings and to introduce evidence and to be heard either in support of, or in opposition to, the application.