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resolution of the grievance. If the Master Arbitrator determines that an

evidentiary hearing is necessary, the grievance shall be scheduled for

expedited arbitration before the Master Arbitrator for the next available
hearing date. The Master Arbitrator shall discuss with the parties the

specific issue to be arbitrated, and the specific witnesses who shall testify at
the expedited arbitration. The Master Arbitrator shall have the authority to

preclude witnesses he/she determines to be non-essential to the issue(s)
before him/her.

(5) The parties may provide legal counsel at the expedited arbitration. All
relevant facts and documents shall be stipulated to at the expedited

arbitration, and witnesses may be presented upon the approval of the Master
Arbitrator. Except in exceptional cases, there will be no written briefs filed:

verbal closing statements will be allowed. The Master Arbitrator shall take
notice of all relevant prior arbitration decisions. The Master Arbitrator shall

render a written Award no later than thirty (30) days after the close of the
hearing.

(6) Upon mutual agreement by CSEA and the State, and with the consent
of the Master Arbitrator, certain grievances shall be heard before the Master

Arbitrator in a traditional arbitration setting, allowing a full range of
witnesses and the submission of written briefs. In exceptional cases, at the

request of the Master Arbitrator, an outside ad hoc arbitrator may be
employed to hear and determine a specific grievance or issue, as agreed upon

by the parties.
(7) The Master Arbitrator shall have full authority to resolve all procedural

and substantive contractual issues at either the Triage phase or the
Expedited Arbitration phase of Step 4, but shall have no power to add to,

subtract from or modify the terms or provisions of this Agreement. The
Master Arbitrator shall confine his Award solely to the application and/or

interpretation of this Agreement. All Awards of the Master Arbitrator, both

at the Triage phase and at the Expedited Arbitration phase, shall be final and
binding consistent with the provisions of CPLR Article 75.
(8) The Master Arbitrator shall be available for a specified number of days

in each month to review and resolve grievances and to study and issue

Awards, as agreed upon by the parties. All fees and expenses of the Master
Arbitrator shall be divided equally between the parties. The parties agree

that the Master Arbitrator shall be paid the customary fees for such

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