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Resident alleges hostile work environment at city hall during public comment; council cautions some matters are not for public discussion
Summary
A resident publicly accused city leadership of permitting a hostile work environment and criticized the city administrator and council for inaction. The mayor and council replied that personnel performance matters are not appropriate for open-session discussion and pointed to internal processes.
During the citizen input period of the May 21 meeting, resident Greg Perez told the council the city had reached a crossroads and alleged that "it's created a hostile work environment" at city hall, and criticized the mayor and council for not addressing staff behavior. Perez said he had discussed possible ethics and bully complaints and suggested recall processes for elected officials if matters were left unaddressed.
Council President Hensley and the mayor responded from the dais. Hensley said some matters related to performance reviews and personnel are not appropriate for open public discussion and confirmed that personnel or performance issues were being addressed in executive sessions and through internal processes.
Why it matters: Public commentary raised concerns about staff treatment and council oversight. Councilors emphasized the limits of what can be discussed in public meetings about personnel matters and that performance reviews and disciplinary actions are handled through appropriate confidential processes.
Details
- Public comment: Greg Perez identified himself as a Canby resident and said the city manager and finance leader had failed to act when he perceived "berating and harassment" of an employee. He described an ongoing hostile climate and urged the council to act, even suggesting recall if elected officials did not respond.
- Council response: Council President Hensley noted performance evaluations and related discussions are generally not for public session and said the council had been addressing these topics internally. Hensley also asked Perez to let council processes proceed and urged follow-up through staff channels.
Ending
Councilors reiterated that disciplinary and personnel performance matters are handled in executive session under Oregon law and are not appropriate for open deliberation. The council later moved into executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(b) to consider personnel matters.
