Upon receiving the resume and recommendations of the hearing officer, the agency may take action thereon without a hearing or may schedule a hearing for the purpose of hearing oral argument from the parties. If a party is represented by an attorney, only such attorney will be permitted to present argument for such party. At the conclusion of the hearing, the agency may take action or may submit the matter for consideration.
The agency may issue its decision without further hearing or notice to the parties and shall serve a copy of such decision upon the parties and their attorneys if represented by counsel. The agency may reopen the matter if not satisfied with the record and may order further proceedings, refer the matter to the same or different hearing officer, or hear additional evidence without a hearing officer. Any hearing after reopening shall be conducted on notice to the parties.
In its decision the agency may:
1. Adopt the recommendations of the hearing officer; or
2. Adopt the recommendations in part as a part of the agency’s decision; or
3. Reject the hearing officer’s recommendations and enter its own findings of fact, conclusions of law and decision based upon the record as set forth in the resume of testimony and documentary evidence.
(Ord. 1709, passed - -1972)