Council told to stop unsolicited political visits to Maple Crest after staff complaint; administration relays front-desk policy

City administration reported that Maple Crest senior living staff raised concerns after a council member visited the facility to speak with residents and staff said the conduct appeared inappropriate. The mayor’s office and the council were briefed; Clinton, Maple Crest’s director, wrote a letter describing what staff witnessed.

What the city said: Administration representatives said two Maple Crest employees reported observing a council member approaching residents and attempting to persuade them on a political matter; administration asked council members to follow Maple Crest’s visitor policy. Under that policy staff said visitors should announce themselves at the front desk and identify the person they wish to see; if the resident declines, the visitor must leave.

Why it matters: The administration described the behavior as an inappropriate political approach to seniors, some of whom may have limited capacity. Officials said that if a staff member requests a visitor to leave, police should be called and the visitor could be trespassed from the property.

Action and guidance: Council members were told to stop unscheduled hallway visits at Maple Crest, to use the front-desk check-in and to respect residents’ decisions not to see visitors. The administration said it had met with Maple Crest management and would convey the facility’s enforcement process if visitors do not comply.

Discussion vs. decision: The administration conveyed Maple Crest’s policy and urged council members to comply; council did not take formal disciplinary action at the meeting.