(a) No member of the City Commission, 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) An examiner may not conduct or participate in any hearing or decision in which the examiner of any of the following persons has a direct or substantial financial interest: a spouse, brother, sister, child, parent, or in-law of the examiner, or business firm or organization in which the examiner has a substantial interest. The 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.