(A) Any person aggrieved in any manner of any violation of this chapter, except a violation by the Village, may file with the office of the Village Manager a verified written complaint setting forth his or her grievance within 120 days after the date of the alleged violation. The complaint shall be filed on a form provided by the Village Manager. The complaint shall state:
(1) The name and address of the complainant;
(2) The name and address of the person against whom the complaint is brought, if known to the complainant;
(3) The alleged facts surrounding the alleged violation of this chapter;
(4) The names and addresses of all persons believed to have knowledge concerning the alleged facts; and
(5) Any other information required under the rules established by the office of the Village Manager.
(B) After the filing of any complaint, the Village Manager shall serve a copy of the complaint on the party or parties charged in the complaint with the alleged violation of this chapter.
(C) Upon receipt of a complaint, the office of the Village Manager shall conduct a preliminary investigation. Within 30 days of receipt of the complaint, the Village Manager shall complete the preliminary investigation. If the Village Manager determines from such investigation that there is probable cause to believe that an unlawful real estate practice prohibited by this chapter has been committed, the Village Manager shall attempt an adjustment by means of conference and conciliation. If the Village Manager determines that there is no probable cause to believe that an unlawful real estate practice has been committed, he or she shall make a written finding to that effect and shall promptly send copies thereof to the complainant and to the person complained against.
(D) Conference and conciliation is intended to resolve the parties’ differences and shall take place in private. The complainant and respondent may be represented by attorneys if they desire. The conference shall be closed to all other persons. However, in the discretion of the Village Manager, a complainant or respondent may include an additional person such as an interpreter or family member. No evidence shall be taken at a conciliation conference. The sole purpose of the conference will be to attempt to reconcile the parties.
(E) The Village Manager or his or her staff shall not disclose what transpires during the course of an investigation, or what transpires during the course of a conciliation conference, except as such disclosures are deemed essential to an investigation or the conciliation or are made at a public hearing held in accordance with § 90.09. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Village Manager from disclosing dismissal notices or conciliation agreements and the reasons for such dismissal or agreement. The identities of the parties shall not be disclosed without their consent.
(1997 Code, § 43.16) (Ord. 78-3, passed 2-9-1978; Am. Ord. 83-17, passed 6-23-1983; Am. Ord. CO-09-10, passed 5-5-2009)