The board also decided to hold hearings to revoke or reduce the pension of [Frank E. Corrente], Cianci's director of administration. Corrente retired in 1999 and began receiving his pension, but the board voted in October 2003 to suspend it.

The Retirement Board asked Prof. Larry J. Ritchie to find out whether the city can challenge Cianci's pension before he applies for it. Yesterday, Ritchie reported back a resounding yes.

Yesterday, the board asked Ritchie to proceed with the hearings that are necessary to revoke or reduce the pension. Ritchie will serve as the hearing officer. Cianci's lawyers will also be allowed to make arguments. If the board votes to sanction Cianci's pension, it will have to be confirmed in Superior Court.