Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, the commissioner may meet with a special deputy supervisor appointed under this article and with the attorney or other representative of the special deputy supervisor, without the presence of any other person, at the time of any proceeding or during the pendency of any proceeding held under authority of this article to carry out the commissioner's responsibilities as provided in this article or for the special deputy supervisor to carry out his or her duties as provided in this article.