(a) Within thirty (30) days after the complaint is received by the Fair Housing Board pursuant to Section 136.07(a)(1), the Discrimination Review Committee shall, upon due and reasonable notice to all parties, hold a hearing on the complaint. Parties to the hearing shall be the complainant and respondent and such other persons as the Fair Housing Board may deem appropriate. The hearing shall be open to the public. At the time it determines to hold such hearing, the Fair Housing Board shall serve upon the respondent a summons requiring the attendance of named persons and the production of relevant documents and records.
(b) At any time prior to the conclusion of the hearing, the parties may request the Fair Housing Board to issue subpoenas for individuals or documents in the Fair Housing Board's name. Failure to comply with a summons or subpoena shall constitute a violation of this chapter. The parties may appear before such Board in person or by duly authorized representatives and be represented by legal counsel. The parties shall have the right to present witnesses and to cross- examine witnesses, and all testimony and evidence shall be given under oath or by affirmation.
(c) If a charge is issued pursuant to Section 136.07 (a)(1), either the complainant or the respondent, in lieu of participating in the administrative hearing process, as outlined in this Section 136.09, may elect to have the case heard in a civil action. Such civil action shall be maintained on behalf of the aggrieved person at the expense of the Fair Housing Board. Such election must be made within twenty (20) days after the receipt of the charge.
(Ord. 52-24. Passed 4-1-24.)