A. Appeals and other proceedings under this chapter shall be heard by a hearing officer. To be appointed as a hearing officer, a person must have knowledge of this title, principles of due process, and animal treatment and behavior. A person may not act as hearing officer in any case in which the person or any member of the person’s immediate family has a substantial financial or personal interest, and must certify to the absence of any such interest on a form provided by the city clerk at the time of selection to hear an appeal or other proceeding. A hearing officer may not be a current city officer or employee.

B. The mayor from time to time shall solicit persons who are willing to serve as hearing officers, shall select qualified persons from among those who apply, and submit the names of those who have been selected to the council for approval.

C. The mayor shall maintain a list of persons who have been approved by the council to serve as hearing officers, and upon the commencement of an appeal or other proceeding under this chapter select from the list a person to serve as hearing officer for the appeal or other proceeding.

D. Compensation of a hearing officer shall be determined by council resolution from time to time. (Ord. 09-69(AM) § 4, 2009; Ord. 09-50 § 2, 2009; Ord. 03-37(AM) § 4, 2003; prior code § 12.30.010)