Title
Approval of the Proposed Hearing Examiner Request for Qualifications Process
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed Hearing Examiner Request for Qualifications process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the proposed Hearing Examiner Request for Qualifications process.
Staff Contact:
Tim Smith, Deputy Director, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.570.3915
Presenter(s):
Tim Smith, Deputy Director, Community Planning and Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
The position of Hearing Examiner is established in Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 18.82. The purpose of this Chapter, as stated in OMC 18.82.020, is to:
1. Separate the land use regulatory function from the land use planning process.
2. Ensure procedural due process and appearance of fairness in land use regulatory hearings and decisions.
3. Provide an efficient and effective land use regulatory system which integrates the public hearing and decision-making processes for land use matters.
4. Provide for consistency and predictability in land use decision making and the application of policies and regulations adopted by the City.
5. Establish clear and understandable rules governing the land use decision-making process
The City of Olympia and Mark Scheibmeir completed a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) in 2013 for Mr. Scheibmeir to carry out the duties of Hearing Examiner for the City. The Agreement was then amended on three occasions to extend the length of the PSA. The most recent PSA was signed by the City and Mr. Scheibmeir in 2022 following a formal search and issuance of a Request for Qualifications. The City and Mr. Scheibmeir subsequently agreed to a 2-year extension of the PSA with a contract amendment in 2024. The current PSA is set to expire on April 30, 2026.
The Hearing Examiner selection process is outlined in OMC 18.82.040. The City Council is responsible fo...
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