Any person whose vehicle is impounded may request an immediate hearing on the validity of the charges on which the impoundment was based. A hearing shall be convened thereafter by one of the parking violation hearing officers as soon as practicable. The procedure for the hearing shall be informal as to the rules of evidence, but testimony shall be taken under oath or affirmation. In considering the charges, the hearing officer may consider all relevant facts and circumstances and may require the personal appearance of the person requesting the hearing and the issuing officer. Should the hearing officer find in favor of the person charged, he/she shall so certify to the Town, and the record of charge or charges shall be removed from the files of the Town and the vehicle released to the owner. Should the hearing officer find the issuance of the charge(s) proper, he/she shall so certify to the Town and no further appeal hearing shall be considered. The hearing officer shall determine the amount due the Town for the cost of impoundment and the amount due for citations outstanding. The owner may regain possession by paying the amount found due by the hearing officer and establishing his/her identity and right to possession and upon signing a proper receipt for the vehicle. If not paid the same day, the owner shall also pay all charges due for the storage of the vehicle.
(C.G.S. § 14-150) (Ord. 368, passed 12-2-96)