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Resident urges investigation into code enforcement leadership, alleges retaliation and high turnover
Summary
A resident addressed the commission during public comment asking for an impartial investigation into the Housing and Community Development code enforcement unit, alleging retaliation, mismanagement, staff departures and a toxic work environment.
Danielle Underwood, speaking during public comment on July 21, urged the commission to order an independent investigation into leadership and operations in the Housing and Community Development department’s code enforcement unit. "They are here for the collective demand for immediate and decisive action regarding the utterly unacceptable operational environment and leadership within the code department," Underwood said, citing recent retirements, resignations and what she described as retaliatory behavior toward long‑standing staff.
Why this matters: The complaint alleges losses of institutional knowledge and reduced department effectiveness tied to leadership practices. Underwood told commissioners a 25‑year employee was forced to retire and that new hires have rapidly left, including a recently hired retired police officer who she said lasted two months.
What callers asked for: Underwood called for an immediate, comprehensive and impartial investigation into operational practices, leadership style and the department’s retention problems. She said the situation had "profoundly negative impacts on the department's efficiency and the employee's well‑being" and asked the commission to intervene.
Commission and administration response: Commissioners acknowledged receipt of the comments. The mayor and city administrator responded that personnel matters are handled at the administrative level and that a public workshop on personnel issues would not be held. The mayor told commissioners and the speaker, "It's a personnel matter, so we won't be having a public workshop. If you have any questions you can certainly continue to direct them to the city administrator." The city administrator and commission president were identified as points of contact for follow-up.
Action requested and next steps: The speaker requested a formal investigation; the commission did not take a vote or issue a formal directive in the meeting minutes. Commissioners suggested transferring questions to the city administrator for administrative response. No administrative report, timeline or investigation order was recorded on the public record during the meeting.
Ending: The commission heard the complaint during public comment and accepted it into the record; resolution of the matter was left to administrative channels rather than to a public commission process.
