City staff outlines hearing powers: subpoenas, testimony, written findings

A staff member told the board it had authority to adopt rules, subpoena alleged violators, take testimony under oath and impose civil fines when ordinances have been violated. The staff summary stressed that any findings must be supported in writing and entered into the record before an order can be issued.

Staff also advised the board that a hearings officer should have training in procedural due process. The counsel/staff member explained that parties have the right to present witnesses and evidence and to cross-examine opposing witnesses during the hearing.