A hearing panel designated as the “solid waste facilities hearing board” is established and will be referred to hereinafter in this chapter as the “hearing board.” This hearing board is established in accordance with Section 44308 of the Public Resources Code. (Ord. 2001-0052 § 1, 2001: Ord. 92-0033 § 1 (part), 1992.)

The hearing board shall consist of three members. The board of supervisors may appoint three of its members to serve on the hearing board, or the mayor/chair of the board of supervisors may appoint an independent hearing board consisting of three members to serve as the hearing board. If an independent hearing board is appointed, not more than one member of the board of supervisors shall serve on the hearing board. Members of the independent hearing board shall be selected for their legal, administrative or technical abilities in areas relating to solid waste management. At least one member of the independent hearing board shall be a technical expert with knowledge of solid waste management methods and technology. At least one member of the independent hearing board shall be a representative of the public at large. (Ord. 2001-0052 § 2, 2001: Ord. 92-0033 § 1 (part), 1992.)

All members of the hearing board shall serve for a term of two years and shall be subject to the provisions of Section 5.12.050 of the Los Angeles County Code and subject to the right of the board of supervisors to remove any such member at any time at its pleasure. Any member whose term has expired hereunder shall continue to discharge the duties as a member until a successor has been appointed. Members of the hearing board shall not serve more than two consecutive terms. (Ord. 2001-0052 § 3, 2001: Ord. 92-0033 § 1 (part), 1992.)

At its first meeting and annually thereafter, the hearing board shall choose from among its members a chair and vice-chair to serve for one year. The director of health services or his representative shall act as secretary to the hearing board. (Ord. 2001-0052 § 4, 2001: Ord. 92-0033 § 1 (part), 1992.)

The hearing board shall hold at least one regular meeting annually, except that no regular meeting shall be held if the secretary of the hearing board determines that there is no business to be transacted and so notifies the members. Two members constitute a quorum. Any hearing board action shall require the approval of a majority of the members of the hearing board. (Ord. 2001-0052 § 5, 2001: Ord. 92-0033 § 1 (part), 1992.)

The members of the hearing board shall receive the compensation provided from time to time in the current Salary Ordinance. In the absence of any provision therefor in the current Salary Ordinance, the members of the hearing board shall serve without compensation, except that when required to travel in the performance of their duties, they shall be reimbursed for their necessary travel expenses, including transportation, meals and lodging in accordance with applicable provisions of Chapter 5.40 of this code. (Ord. 2001-0052 § 6, 2001: Ord. 92-0033 § 1 (part), 1992.)

The hearing board shall recommend rules and regulations governing its own procedures for adoption by the board of supervisors. Copies of these rules and regulations shall be made available to the public. The hearing board may also, from time to time, recommend to the board of supervisors for adoption such amendments to this chapter as are considered necessary. (Ord. 2001-0052 § 7, 2001: Ord. 92-0033 § 1 (part), 1992.)

The hearing board shall hear and determine appeals, complaints and other matters brought:
A. By solid waste facilities permittees, applicants for solid waste facilities permits or any persons subject to an action by the local enforcement agency, against the rulings, decisions and determinations of the local enforcement agency regarding enforcement actions, permit conditions or the denial, suspension or revocation of permits;
B. By any persons petitioning for a review of alleged local enforcement agency inaction;
C. By the board of supervisors prior to the local enforcement agency imposing an administrative civil penalty; and
D. By the local enforcement agency.
All hearings shall be conducted pursuant to the procedures set forth in Public Resources Code Section 44310. (Ord. 2001-0052 § 8, 2001: Ord. 92-0033 § 1 (part), 1992.)