(a)      (1)      A local legislative body may appoint the full- and part-time hearing examiners that it considers necessary and appropriate.

            (2)      (i)      A local legislative body may delegate to a hearing examiner the power to conduct a public hearing under § 4.05 of this subtitle.

                  (ii)      A hearing shall be conducted under rules and regulations adopted by the local legislative body.

            (3)      A hearing examiner shall recuse himself or herself from participating in a matter in which the hearing examiner may have a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.

      (b)      A local legislative body shall determine the term of office, required qualifications, and compensation of a hearing examiner employed by the local jurisdiction.

      (c)      A hearing examiner shall render a written recommendation in the time, manner, and form required by the local legislative body.