The city commission shall appoint one or more hearing officer(s) to hear variances and beneficial use determinations, as defined herein. The hearing officer(s) shall serve at the pleasure of the city commission for such period as is determined necessary. Hearing officer(s) shall be compensated at a rate to be determined by the city commission.
A. Minimum Qualifications. A hearing officer shall have:
1. Demonstrated knowledge of administrative, environmental, and land use planning, law and procedures;
2. Hold no other appointed or elected public office or position in the city during the period of appointment.
B. Duties. A hearing officer shall:
1. Conduct hearings on appeals for beneficial use determinations and recommend approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval to the city commission;
2. Conduct hearings on variances and approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove;
3. Conduct hearings on such matters as may be required to hear the application;
4. Provide a written report containing a summary of the testimony and evidence given, findings, and the decision or recommendations regarding the specific standards applicable to the particular matter.
C. Restrictions on Appearances. Whomever shall accept an appointment as a hearing officer shall, for a period of one year from the date of termination as holder of such office, not act as agent or attorney in any proceeding, application, or other matter before any city decision-making body in any matter involving land that was the subject of a proceeding, or nearby properties, which was pending during the time served as a hearing officer. (Ord. 1495-96 § 3(part), 1996).