When any application for a license, or amendment to a license or for transfer of a license or for status as a pointholder is submitted pursuant to this article and if, in the opinion of the city attorney, the city manager should disqualify himself from taking the action required by virtue of his position pursuant to this article, such duty shall be performed by a qualified agency designated by the city attorney.

If, on any such matter which requires city council action, the city attorney determines that a conflict of interest exists as to a majority of the council members with regard to such matter, the city council shall refer the matter to a hearing officer for determination. Such hearing officer shall act upon the matter so referred, in the place and stead of the said city council. Such hearing officer shall be a qualified person who shall be designated to act as said hearing officer by the then presiding judge of the superior court of the county of Los Angeles. The hearing officer shall be compensated for such services in an amount or manner suggested by the said presiding judge. (Ord. 505 § 3. 2002 Code § 6-32.9).