At the end of the Oct. 14 meeting, a planning commissioner used Commissioners’ Minutes to urge members of the public to avoid spreading unverified accusations about public servants on social media and to use formal channels if they have factual evidence of wrongdoing.

The commissioner, speaking from the dais, said members of the commission and staff have sworn conflict-of-interest statements and that unfounded claims of bribery or improper payments harm public trust and those who volunteer for civic service. The speaker said that if someone has proof of misconduct they should present it to legal counsel rather than post allegations online; otherwise “speculation” and “unfounded” statements only create public discontent.

The speaker framed the point as an appeal to focus on constructive civic engagement: examining ordinances, using the council process when policy change is desired, and raising documented concerns through official channels. The speaker asked citizens to consider running for office or applying to commissions if they want change, and emphasized facts over feeling in public debate.

The chair and other commissioners affirmed the value of public comment and the contributions of residents but reiterated that formal complaints should follow established legal and administrative procedures.

The comments followed several agenda items and public comments during which residents asked for greater transparency in development-agreement packets and raised questions about traffic and parking.