The general public has a right to have review body members free from pre-hearing or ex parte contacts on matters heard by them. It is recognized that a countervailing public right is free access to public officials on any matter. Should ex parte communication occur, at the beginning of the hearing, the review body member shall reveal the source and substance of any significant pre-hearing or ex parte contacts regarding any matter at the commencement of the public hearing on such and the presiding officer shall allow for rebuttal of any information received through such ex parte contact. If such contacts have not impaired the member's impartiality or ability to vote on the matter, the member shall so state and shall participate or abstain in accordance with the following section.