(a) Any person or group of persons claiming to be aggrieved by a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter may file with the Human Relations Commission a complaint under oath in writing which shall state the name and address of the owner or other person alleged to have committed the violation complained of and which shall set forth the particulars thereof and such other information as may be required by the Commission.
(b) Upon the filing of such complaint, or upon its own motion whenever it has reason to believe that any owner or other person has violated Section 159.03, the Commission shall appoint a conciliator, a member of the Commission or its representative, who shall serve without compensation and who shall attempt to conciliate the matter and to eliminate any discriminatory practice he/she finds to exist. The conciliator’s investigation and findings shall be kept confidential. If they fail to conciliate or eliminate a practice which he/she considers to be discrimination in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, they shall refer the case to the full Commission with their recommendations.
(c) It shall be the duty of the Commission to review a case of alleged discrimination in violation of Section 159.03 referred to it by the conciliator pursuant to subsection (b) hereof and to determine whether, in its judgment, court action is warranted. The Commission may conduct such investigation as it may deem necessary and, if it deems a public hearing necessary, it shall make provision for the same.
(d) Ten days written notice to all interested parties of the time and place for the public hearing shall be given by registered mail, return receipt requested, by the Commission. Persons appearing at the hearing may be represented by counsel. Upon request by an interested party, a stenographic record of the testimony and other evidence shall be taken at the expense of the Commission. The Commission shall pass upon the admissibility of evidence but a party may at any time take exception to the rulings of the Commission thereon and, after the Commission refuses to admit evidence, the party offering the same shall make a proffer thereof and such proffer shall be made a part of the record of such hearing. The Commission may call any party to testify as upon cross-examination. Where applicable, the provisions of Ohio R.C. Chapter 119 and particularly of Ohio 119.09 as to procedure before an administrative agency shall be followed.
(Ord. 41-07. Passed 10-22-07.)