§ TC7-5. Powers and duties., Chapter TC7. Traffic Violations Bureau, s, Code of Ordinances, Huntington

It shall accept designated fines and issue receipts to those who desire to plead guilty, waive a court appearance and give power of attorney.

It shall adjudicate the claims of those who plead not guilty after being advised, in writing, of their right to counsel and their right to appear in court to answer to, explain or defend any charge of a violation of any parking law, ordinance, rule or regulation, waiving the same and consenting to said adjudication. The hearing officer shall find, after a hearing, that the owner/operator of said vehicle is either guilty or not guilty. If said owner/operator is found guilty, the hearing officer must impose a fine and penalty as prescribed herein. If said owner/operator is found not guilty, said charges must be dismissed. The hearing officer shall not have the authority to reduce fines or penalties upon a finding of guilty.

It shall keep an easily accessible record of all violations of which each person has been guilty during the preceding 12 months, whether such guilt was established in court or in the Traffic Violations Bureau.

If a violator of the parking laws, ordinances, rules and regulations does not appear and answer in response to a notice as provided in this Code, the Traffic Violations Bureau shall send to the owner of the motor vehicle to which the notice was affixed a letter warning him that he will be held responsible for the appearance of the offender and that, in the event that such letter is disregarded for a period of five days, a complaint will be filed and a warrant of arrest may issue.

In the event that any person fails to comply with a notice as provided in this Code or fails to make an appearance pursuant to a summons directing an appearance in the Traffic Violations Bureau as provided by this Code, the Traffic Violations Bureau shall forthwith have a complaint entered against such person and make application to secure and issue a warrant for his arrest.

The Traffic Violations Bureau shall keep records of all notices issued and arrests made for violations of the parking laws, ordinances, rules and regulations and of all fines collected by the Traffic Violations Bureau and the final disposition or present status of every case of violation of the provisions of the parking laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. These reports shall be public records.

The Traffic Violations Bureau shall perform such other or additional duties and keep such other and additional records as shall be prescribed by the Town Board of the Town of Huntington.