A. An appeal filed pursuant to section 1-6-5-2 of this chapter must be filed in writing with the City Administrator, City Clerk, or City Clerk/Treasurer, as appropriate. The appeal must include or contain a statement that sets forth with particularity:
1. The facts and circumstances under which the disclosure of improper governmental action was made; and
2. The reprisal or retaliatory action that is alleged to have been taken against the City officer or City employee.
B. Upon receipt of a timely appeal, the matter shall be assigned to a Hearing Officer appointed pursuant to section 1-6-5-6 of this chapter. The Hearing Officer shall set a hearing date that is not later than twenty (20) working days after the appeal was filed, unless the time limitation is waived, in writing, by the City officer or City employee or the Hearing Officer is unable to schedule a hearing within that period, in which case the hearing must be scheduled for the earliest possible date thereafter. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing must be given at least ten (10) calendar days in advance. (Ord. 705, 7-13-2017)