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Public commenters accuse mayor of mishandling rec superintendent’s situation; aldermen hear criticism during public comment
Summary
During public comments at the May 19 meeting, residents criticized Mayor David Dungess’s handling of Recreation Superintendent Kim Peters’ non-reappointment, saying the mayor publicly questioned Peters’ integrity and failed to address the matter privately; the board did not take action during the meeting.
Several residents used the Board of Aldermen public-comment period on May 19 to criticize Mayor David Dungess’s handling of the non-reappointment of Recreation Superintendent Kim Peters, alleging the mayor publicly questioned Peters’ integrity and failed to address concerns directly with the superintendent.
Kim Heck, a Rutland resident, read a letter addressed to the mayor and said the mayor “violated her privacy and have forever labeled her as unworthy.” Heck said the mayor’s public remarks “call into question your ability to lead and operate with the decency that all city employees deserve” and urged the mayor to “do the right thing for our community.”
During Heck’s remarks the board chair interrupted to ask for restraint: “This is not a place for personal attacks,” the chair said when comments grew heated. Heck replied that she had the right to speak and criticized what she described as a double standard. The exchange ended without formal board action; the public-comment period concluded and the meeting proceeded with agenda items.
No motion, inquiry, or personnel action related to the matter was recorded on the meeting agenda or taken by the board at the meeting. The comments were recorded on the public record during the meeting and will be part of the official minutes.
