(a) No member of Council, member of the city administration, party to any proceedings before a hearing examiner, or any other person shall interfere with, attempt to interfere with, or improperly influence or attempt to improperly influence a hearing examiner in the performance of the duties of office.
(b) A hearing examiner may not conduct or participate in any hearing or decision in which the hearing examiner or any of the following persons has a direct or substantial financial interest: a spouse, brother, sister, child, parent, or in-law of the hearing examiner, or business firm or organization in which the hearing examiner has a substantial interest. The hearing examiner shall promptly report to the City Manager any attempt at interference or improper influence or any actual or potential conflict prior to such hearing.
(c) Wherever it may be shown to the satisfaction of the City Manager that the hearing examiner was subjected to improper influence, interference or interest, such improper influence, interference or interest shall be grounds for vacating any decision made by the hearing examiner in such proceedings.
(Ord. O2019-35, passed 6-4-2019)