Within 45 days after the filing of an application for a franchise, the Council shall determine whether the public convenience would be promoted and the public necessity would require such ambulance service. The Council may make such determination based solely upon the application and supporting documents and any other information provided by the applicant or may, after notice, hold public hearings at a regularly scheduled or specially scheduled meeting of the Council. In no event shall more than 45 days elapse from the filing of an application and the final decision of the Council, unless the applicant consents to an extension of time for the final decision. (Code 1981 § 6-23. Code 1995 § 62-46.)