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Public commenters accuse officials of conflicts and inappropriate social‑media contact; council asks staff to review conduct
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Summary
Two public commenters raised ethics and conduct concerns: city treasurer Neil Polzin alleged undisclosed business interests and improper influence; another speaker, Nicole, said the treasurer followed minors from her family on social media. Councilmember Cortez asked staff to review the treasurer under the council’s code of conduct.
Two public commenters used the city council’s public comment period to make accusations about local elected officials and staff, prompting council members to request review under council rules.
Neil Polzin, who identified himself as the city treasurer but said he was speaking for himself, alleged that then‑candidate and current officials failed to disclose business interests on disclosure forms and suggested campaign contributions and land deals created conflicts of interest. Polzin said he opened investigations while serving as treasurer but that his duties were later reduced. He also questioned whether businesses seeking city space were being steered to partners linked to the mayor and cited a recent digital billboard approval as an example he said lacked transparency.
Later in the public comment period, a speaker who identified herself only as Nicole said a 15‑year‑old daughter and a 16‑year‑old niece received social‑media follow requests from an account she believes belongs to the city treasurer, and she described the contact as inappropriate and concerning. Nicole asked the council to consider why the treasurer would follow minors he does not know.
Councilmember Cortez said Nicole’s remarks showed courage and asked that the treasurer be held to the same code of conduct the council recently adopted; she suggested staff examine possible censure options. Mayor Pro Tem Delgado and other councilmembers said they would follow up. The treasurer did not respond in the meeting record.
No formal disciplinary action occurred during the meeting; Cortez asked staff to look into whether the code of conduct applies and whether further steps, including censure, are appropriate. City Manager Chris Markarello said staff can bring back information on legal options and next steps.
The council made no formal findings during the meeting; any investigatory or disciplinary actions would be handled by staff and returned to the council for consideration.
