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Mesquite public speakers defend Chief McQuaid Chesley as council weighs personnel matter; interim chief announced
Summary
At the Feb. 4, 2025 Mesquite technical review meeting, residents urged the council not to move forward without more information after the city announced consideration of the termination of Chief McQuaid Chesley; a motion to remove the agenda item failed and Captain Tracy Fells was introduced as interim chief.
Mesquite City Council technical-review members on Feb. 4, 2025 considered an agenda item titled “consideration of character, misconduct, competence, or health of McQuaid Chesley and ratification of his termination,” prompting extended public comment defending Chesley and questions about process. A motion to remove the personnel item from the agenda failed; council members then addressed the separate agenda item naming Captain Tracy Fells to act as interim chief of police.
Why it matters: The personnel matter drew repeated public comment, with residents saying the chief has been publicly criticized and asking for more transparency before any final action. The exchange also highlighted disagreements about what the city must disclose to council and when personnel deliberations must occur in closed session.
Public speakers criticized the timing and secrecy around the agenda item and urged the council to consider both sides. Resident Ronald Shackleford said the…
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