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Public commenter says redacted staff‑investigation report shows bullying allegations against mayor
Summary
A member of the public told the council she obtained a redacted investigation report through a public records request and said it contained findings of intimidation, bullying and unprofessional behavior by the Mayor; the speaker urged the Mayor to address the findings. The minutes record no formal response.
During the Jan. 12 public comment period for non‑agenda items, Melissa Lemmond told the council she had obtained a redacted investigation report via a public records request. Lemmond said the report contained concerning findings including allegations of intimidation, bullying and unprofessional behavior by the Mayor and urged Mayor Elliott to use the findings constructively to improve cooperation and professionalism.
Lemmond said the report included witness statements and survey results and that her review reinforced concerns about staff treatment; the minutes do not record a response from the Mayor or other councilmembers during the public comment period. Later in the meeting Councilmember Geraldine Champion expressed frustration about the leak of an employee survey investigation report to a newspaper, called the released results unfounded and said releasing the report was a misdemeanor and needed to be addressed.
The minutes show the allegation and councilmember concerns were raised on the record but do not document any formal council action or inquiry launched at the meeting. The matter appears to remain unresolved in the minutes and could require staff follow‑up, legal counsel review or formal agenda placement if Council intends to pursue investigation or corrective action.
