(a) In any small claims action, the parties may, by agreement, submit such matter to a commissioner of the Superior Court chosen on a rotating basis by the clerk of the court to which such small claim is returned, from a list of such commissioners approved by the Chief Court Administrator, in accordance with § 52-549d, and submitted to the parties by the clerk in the small claims area in which such matter is filed. If the parties fail to agree on the first commissioner so chosen, the clerk shall choose another upon whom the parties may agree on such rotating basis.

(b) If the parties consent to a hearing before a commissioner of the Superior Court, they shall sign a statement, to be filed with the clerk of the superior court in which such action is filed, containing the following: (1) Consent to hearing before such commissioner, which shall contain the name of the commissioner; (2) a brief recital of the nature of the controversy to be determined; and (3) an agreement of the parties to abide by the decision of such commissioner.