Olympia City Council reappoints hearing examiner, creates backup position

The Olympia City Council approved the reappointment of the hearing examiner and the addition of a new pro tem role at a meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

As part of its consent calendar, the council approved a resolution to reappoint Mark Scheibmeir, extending his role as hearing examiner through 2028. He has served in the position since 2013.

The hearing examiner position, established under Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 18.82, is responsible for conducting hearings and issuing decisions on land use matters.

The role is intended to separate regulatory decision-making from planning functions, while ensuring fairness, consistency and efficiency in land-use decisions.

The Land Use and Environment Committee also recommended attorney Phil Olbrechts to serve as the city’s pro tem hearing examiner. A separate resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with Olbrechts will be brought forward at a future council meeting.

The pro tem role position is intended to serve as a backup, allowing land use hearings to proceed if the primary examiner is unavailable due to scheduling conflicts, illness or other circumstances.

Mayor Dontae Payne briefly discussed the addition of a pro tem examiner, saying it addresses a gap in the city’s process and will help ensure continuity in hearing examiner services.

The city initiated a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process in December 2025 to fill the position.

Two applicants responded, both of whom were interviewed by the Land Use Committee at a public meeting on Feb. 17. The committee then formally recommended Scheibmeir for the primary role and Olbrechts for the pro tem position.

The hearing examiner is compensated on an hourly basis, not to exceed $275 per hour, with related costs recovered through permit fees as outlined in the city code.