§ 17-184. Hearing.

(a)

When held. The commission shall hold a hearing on the matter complained of within twenty (20) days after:

(1)

The violation of any consent agreement;

(2)

The expiration of the period for informal conciliation unless a consent agreement has been reached; or

(3)

Any date on which the commission determines that informal conciliation will not be successful and so notifies the parties in writing,

whichever occurs first.

(b)

Notice. The commission shall cause written notice to be sent to all involved parties by registered mail at their last known address not later than ten (10) days prior to the hearing. Said notice shall specify the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing.

(c)

Powers, procedures. The hearing shall normally be open to the public but in particularly sensitive cases the commission may hold a private hearing. The hearing shall be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, but strict courtroom rules of evidence and procedures need not be observed. The commission may subpoena witnesses and pertinent documents, administer oaths and take sworn testimony. The parties may appear with legal counsel, give testimony, present other evidence and call and/or cross-examine witnesses. The commission may appoint the municipal attorney to represent any indigent party. All testimony shall be given under oath.

(d)

Records. The commission shall keep a full record of the hearing. The record shall be open to inspection by any person. Copies thereof shall be furnished at cost to the parties upon request.

(Ord. No. 18-89, § 3-5, 3-21-89)