Hearing Officer Services for Community Development Department and Community Services Department on an as Needed Basis

The selected consultant shall:
1. Provide Administrative Hearing Officer services to consider appeals authorized under the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Sections Division 5, Chapter 1, Article 7 “Enforcement” and Division 4, Chapter 1, Article 9 “Dogs and Other Dangerous Animals” and the Torrance Public Housing Agency (PHA) Administrative Plan.
2. Preside over the appeal administrative hearing and hears testimony and considers evidence from parties.
3. The formal rules of evidence are not required and/or applied during the administrative hearings; however, all parties (i.e., City staff, Petitioner, and witnesses) shall be sworn in by the Hearing Officer.
4. Prepare for hearings which could include, but is not limited to, reviewing case documents, reading the agenda and case materials, conduct field observation, knowledge of relevant City ordinances, State and Federal laws. All preparation for hearings would be limited to a total of 10 calendar days.
5. Collaborate with staff regarding scheduling. The number of hearings will vary, as described under Section B “Types of Appeals”.
6. Confirm the absence of conflicts before undertaking any new matters for the City. The Administrative Hearing Officer will inform and seek the consent of the City before representing another client in any matter directly adverse to the City (e.g., transactions, negotiations, proceedings, or other representations involving specific parties.)
7. The City will provide the in-person location in order to conduct the hearings, including hearing room and/or recording equipment. The administrative hearings may also be conducted virtually as approved by the City.
8. The City will provide staff support at the hearing, will carry out all public notice requirements, if needed, record keeping, and clerical services for distributing any correspondence.
9. The Hearing Officer's decisions in a particular case are not precedential for subsequent cases of a similar matter.
10. The Hearing Officer shall prepare findings in accordance with the TMC, and render decisions in writing that are clear, concise, factually accurate, and legally compliant.
11. All decisions shall be sent by the Hearing Officer directly to the City/Housing Authority and to the Petitioner within 10 business days of the hearing date, unless directed otherwise in which case the City would be responsible for sending the decision to all parties. In cases where the City sends the decision, the City will provide clerical services for finalizing and distributing findings.
12. Respond within 2 calendar days to questions from City staff.
13. In rare cases, attend Torrance Environmental and Energy Commission (TEQECC) and City Council meetings as requested by the City staff.
14. In rare cases, attend court appearances, provide expert witness testimony, and conduct legal research at the request of the City.
15. Recommend modifications to the City’s guidelines and codes, as appropriate, to maintain best practices.
16. The Hearing Officer is impartial but may be asked to present information in a staff training session to explain the hearing process, procedures, and proper case preparation. Additionally, the Hearing Officer may be invited to attend training about a particular regulation that is at issue.
17. Responsible for all travel, mileage, and telephone/electronic expenses.
18. Maintain detailed accounting of fees including fixed fees and time and materials fees.