§ 46-35. Rules for panel hearings.

(a)

Panels hearing grievances do not have authority to formulate policies or procedures or to alter existing policies or procedures.

(b)

Panels have the discretion to determine the propriety of attendance at the hearing of persons not having a direct interest in the hearing, and, at the request of either party, the hearing shall be private.

(c)

The town shall provide the panel with copies of the grievance record prior to the hearing and provide the grievant with a list of the documents furnished to the panel; and the grievant and his attorney, at least ten days prior to the scheduled hearing, shall be allowed access to and copies of all relevant files intended to be used in the grievance proceeding.

(d)

The panel has the authority to determine the admissibility of evidence without regard to the burden of proof or the order of presentation of evidence, so long as a full and equal opportunity is afforded to all parties for the presentation of their evidence.

(e)

All evidence shall be presented in the presence of the panel and the parties, except by mutual consent of the parties.

(f)

Documents and exhibits and lists of witnesses shall be exchanged between the parties in advance of the hearing.

(g)

The majority decision of the panel, acting within the scope of its authority, shall be final, subject to existing policies, procedures and law.

(h)

The panel decision shall be provided within ten days to all parties.

(i)

Hearings are not intended to be conducted like proceedings in courts, and the rules of evidence do not necessarily apply to hearings.

(Ord. of 10-14-1997, § X)

(Ord. of 10-14-1997, § X)