Every hearing in a contested case may be conducted by the agency or may be referred to a hearing officer pursuant to this Chapter. If the agency hears the case itself, it may appoint a hearing officer to preside at the hearing, rule on the admission and exclusion of evidence and advise the agency on matters of law. The agency itself shall exercise all other powers relating to the conduct of the hearing, but may delegate any or all of them to the Hearing Officer. When a hearing officer alone hears a case, he or she shall exercise all powers relating to the conduct of the hearing.
(Ord. 1709, passed - -1972)