The GRDA Chief Executive Officer shall appoint an individual who is not employed by GRDA to preside over any hearing as the Hearing Officer. The authority of the Hearing Officer shall commence upon his appointment and terminate upon the issuance of his written recommendation to the GRDA Board of Directors. The Hearing Officer shall have the duty to conduct a fair hearing, to take all reasonable action to avoid delay, and to maintain order. The Hearing Officer's authority shall include, but not be limited to:

1. (1) Arrange and change the date, time and place of hearings and issue notices of hearings;
2. (2) Hold conferences to settle, simplify or determine the issues in a hearing, or to consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of the hearing;
3. (3) Administer oaths and affirmations;
4. (4) Regulate the course of hearings;
5. (5) Examine witnesses and direct witnesses to testify;
6. (6) Receive, rule on, admit, exclude or limit evidence.
7. (7) Rule on pending motions and procedural items; and
8. (8) Allow for continuances.

Added at 39 Ok Reg 1218, eff 9-11-22