A. To be appointed as a hearing officer, a person must be an attorney at law in the state of Alaska who possesses knowledge of this title, general land use regulations, and principles of due process. An attorney may not act as hearing officer in any case in which he or she has any direct or indirect financial interest, and must certify to the absence of any such interest before receiving the appeal record on a form provided by the clerk. A hearing officer may not be a current city employee or a current member of the council or commission.

B. A hearing officer shall be impartial in all decisions, both in fact and in appearance. The hearing officer shall not engage in ex parte contact with any person concerning the appeal either before or after the appeal hearing.

C. The manager or clerk shall solicit persons who are willing to serve as hearing officers, and shall maintain a list of interested persons determined to be qualified.

D. Upon an appeal being filed, the manager shall appoint the hearing officer and shall report the appointment to the council.

E. Compensation of the hearing officer shall be determined by council legislation prior to the hearing. (Ord. 07-018 § 5, 2007)