A. Power Of The Hearing Officer: The hearing officer shall have all of the powers granted to him under common law relative to the conduct of an administrative hearing including the power to:
1. Preside over all city hearings involving PSEBA.
2. Administer oaths.
3. Hear testimony and accept evidence that is relevant to the issue of eligibility under PSEBA.
4. Issue subpoenas to secure attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant papers or documents upon the request of the parties or their representatives.
5. Rule upon objections in the admissibility of evidence.
6. Preserve and authenticate the record of the hearing and all exhibits in evidence introduced at the hearing.
7. Issue a determination based on the evidence presented at the hearing, the determination of which shall be in writing and shall include a written finding of facts, decision and order.
B. Hearing Officer: The mayor with the consent of the city council is hereby authorized to appoint a person to hold the position of a hearing officer. In making said selection, the mayor shall consider all pertinent information including, at a minimum:
1. The candidate's ability to comply with the job description as set forth herein.
2. Background and performance data made available to the mayor on file with the city or otherwise obtained by the city.
3. The candidate must be an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois for at least three (3) years and have knowledge of and experience in employment and labor law, general civil procedure, the rules of evidence, and administrative practice. (Ord. 2914, 3-16-2015)