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Public commenter questions conduct of commission member and requests apology
Summary
A public commenter, Matthew Colter, left a voicemail criticizing a commission member’s conduct during public comment and requested a written apology; commissioners discussed whether and how to present concerns about his behavior to City Council.
A recorded public comment from Matthew Colter alleged misconduct by a commission member and requested a written apology.
In a voicemail played for the commission, Matthew Colter said he experienced technical issues joining the meeting and then raised concerns about a large historic metal arch at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, tree removal and trash pickup at specified locations. He also said Terry McAteer, the commission chairman, left the room during his public comment and that the departure amounted to a denial of his First Amendment rights; Colter asked that Terry write him a written apology and “don’t ever mention my mother again.”
Commissioners heard the recording and then discussed internal concerns about Colter’s repeated critical comments and the impact on volunteers. One commissioner said they felt Colter’s remarks had been personally abusive toward volunteers and suggested informing City Council of the commission’s experience; another commissioner said they would raise the issue personally during their quarterly report to City Council and make it clear the comment represented their view rather than the commission’s official position.
No disciplinary action, vote or formal finding was taken at the meeting. Commissioners agreed to include the matter as a personal concern in one commissioner’s council remarks and to continue monthly procedures for public comment.
