§ 18-18. Service of complaint; hearings and disposition of complaints.

The board of ethics as appointed herein set forth shall cause the complaint to be served on the member of the governing authority charged as soon as practicable. Service may be by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested. A hearing shall be held within thirty (30) business days after receipt of the complaint from the investigation committee. The board of ethics shall conduct the hearing in accordance with the procedures and regulations it establishes. The ethics board can question parties and witnesses during the hearing; however, the formal rules of evidence and judicial procedure do not apply in ethic board hearings. Upon completion of the hearing, the board of ethics shall either dismiss the complaint or refer the complaint to city council for action as that body deems appropriate if the board finds convincing evidence that a violation has occurred. The decision of the board of ethics shall be rendered to the mayor and council within five (5) business days after completion of the hearing. The decision shall also be rendered to the complainant within five (5) business days.

(Ord. (W-4-08) of 5-6-08)