4.1.855 Disclosure of Ex Parte Contacts

4.1.855 Disclosure of Ex Parte Contacts.

A. Prior to making a decision, the Hearings Body or any member thereof shall not communicate directly or indirectly with any party or his or her representative in connection with any issue involved in a pending hearing except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. Should such communication – whether written or oral – occur, the Hearings Body member shall:

1. Publicly announce for the record the substance of such communication; and

2. Announce the parties’ right to rebut the substance of the ex parte communication during the hearing.

3. Communication between City staff and the Hearings Body shall not be considered to be an ex parte contact. [Ord. NS-2122, 2009; Ord. NS-2016, 2006]