3. a. The board shall adopt a final decision or order with respect to an application under section 2 of P.L.1983, c.454 (C.48:2-32.6) at a public meeting, in accordance with subsection (d) of section 10 of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-10(d)). Each member of the board shall individually state the reason for the member's decision on the application either at the public meeting or in a written document, which document shall be available to the public upon request.
b. A final decision or order pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be made within 12 months of the final public hearing held to review an application under section 2 of P.L.1983, c.454 (C.48:2-32.6). If the board has not adopted a final decision or order within 12 months of the final public hearing, the board shall hold an additional public hearing before adopting a final decision or order. A final decision or order shall not be adopted pursuant to subsection a. of this section unless a public hearing to review an application has been held in the previous 12 months.