9-462.08. Hearing officer; appointment; conflict of interest; disclosure; disqualification

A. The legislative body of any municipality may establish the position of hearing officer and delegate to a hearing officer the authority to conduct hearings required by section 9-462.04 and on other matters as the legislative body may provide by ordinance.

B. Hearing officers shall be appointed on the basis of training and experience that qualifies them to conduct hearings and make findings and conclusions on the matters heard.

C. A hearing officer shall disclose whether the hearing officer has been a board member or officer of any entity that appears before the hearing officer.  A hearing officer is disqualified from hearing any matter that involves an entity in which the hearing officer served as a board member or officer in the five years preceding the date of the hearing that is before the hearing officer.