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Resident Joe Herman denies intimidating behavior allegation, urges council to correct vague claims
Summary
During public forum, Joe Herman said a council member told him to stop yelling and later said he made that member uncomfortable; Herman denied the conduct, called the characterization damaging to his reputation and asked the council to identify and correct any inaccurate statements.
Joe Herman addressed the Grimes City Council during the April 14 public forum to dispute a remark he said a council member made about his conduct at the prior meeting.
Herman said he approached the councilmember after the last meeting to show a quote and was told to "stop yelling at her" and later was told to "get away from me" because he made the council member feel uncomfortable. "I categorically deny engaging in any intimidating or harassed behavior with mister Phillips," Herman said. He asked the council to state specific facts if there is an allegation and to correct any inaccurate or vague public statements that could harm his reputation.
The mayor and other council members responded in general terms, noting that intent can be misconstrued and that feelings matter independently of whether there is a formal record. The mayor said, to his knowledge, there is no formal city record of the alleged conduct from the prior meeting and that social-media posts or off‑record comments may not create a formal item for correction.
Herman gave a street address while speaking and asked for accuracy and fairness in how remarks about his conduct are reported or characterized. The council did not take formal action on his request during the meeting.
