After a matter described in BMC 2.56.050(A) or (C) is filed for docketing with the city council for a determination on the record, or otherwise upon submittal of a quasi-judicial matter to council for determination, and until such time as the council disposes or is otherwise foreclosed from review of any such matter, an applicant or proponent, or anyone acting on behalf of an applicant or proponent, or staff witness shall refrain from communicating or attempting to communicate regarding the substance or the merits of the matter with any member of the city council. If communication or an attempt to communicate is made regarding the substance of a pending matter, the council member shall disclose the nature of the communication by no later than the beginning of the proceeding and the council member may recuse himself or herself if the member believes that he or she is unable to exercise detachment and objectivity regarding the pending matter or if the member believes that the ex parte contact has created an appearance of unfairness. The council may in its discretion dismiss any review proceeding on the basis of violation of this section. This section shall not be construed as to inhibit or foreclose communications with council members regarding purely procedural issues or with regard to any legislative issue or matter. [Ord. 2002-10-069 § 4].