No person, including city officials, elected or appointed, may attempt to influence a hearing examiner, interfere in any matter pending before the examiner, or engage in any ex parte communications with the hearing examiner, except at a public hearing duly called for the purpose of hearing testimony. This section does not prohibit the city attorney from rendering legal service to the hearing examiner upon request. (Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023).