Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ethics Complaint Dismissal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Windcrest Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against volunteer Rainbow Presti after complainant fails to appear
Summary
The Windcrest Ethics Commission dismissed a sworn ethics complaint filed by former Chief Jimmy Cole against volunteer and Planning and Zoning chair Rainbow Presti after the complainant did not attend the hearing; the commission heard testimony from the respondent and a witness before taking the action.
The Windcrest Ethics Commission dismissed a sworn ethics complaint against Rainbow Presti on Jan. 9, 2025, after the complainant, former Chief Jimmy Cole, failed to appear at the hearing.
The action closed a hearing that included public comments from community members, testimony from Presti and a witness, and an executive session. The commission cited Texas Government Code sections 551.071 (consultation with attorney) and 551.074 (personnel matters) before moving into closed session.
Presti, identified in testimony as the chair of the Windcrest Planning and Zoning Commission, denied the allegations and questioned the evidence and timing cited by the complainant. "The complaints before you tonight are baseless, unfounded, lacking in facts, and never should have been allowed to move forward in the first place," Presti said after being placed under oath. She disputed assertions that she received confidential executive-session information from a councilmember and disputed other timelines in the complaint.
A witness, Susie Hamilton, testified that a conversation she had with police investigators was mischaracterized and used as evidence in the complaint. "That is untrue," Hamilton said when describing the complainant's characterization of her statement.
Several citizens spoke in support of Presti during the public comment period. Billy Gibson described Presti as "one of the most ethical people I've ever met" and noted her volunteer work and service on the Windcrest Planning and Zoning Commission. Pamela Dodson and other residents said Presti has assisted animals and neighbors and urged dismissal of the complaint.
Commissioners returned from executive session at about 6:49 p.m. A motion was made and seconded to dismiss the complaint on the basis that the complainant failed to appear at the hearing. The presiding member called for the ayes, and the chair closed the hearing after the vote.
Presti and speakers at the hearing also raised broader concerns about what they described as a pattern of retaliatory complaints and the expense to the city; during testimony Presti referenced a figure she said had been cited by an attorney for costs tied to the complaints. She described a timeline of events cited in the complaint that included dates in November 2023 and February 2024 and said some supporting materials were unsigned or provided well after the events described.
The commission did not adopt policy changes at the meeting. The dismissal ends this particular sworn complaint proceeding; the ethics commission noted it reserves the right to dismiss complaints when a complainant does not appear. The commission adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Votes at a glance: The commission voted to dismiss the sworn complaint filed by Jimmy Cole against Rainbow Presti; the motion was made, seconded and carried. No roll-call vote with individual named votes was recorded in the transcript.
