Montlair council adopts expanded censure and sanctions for Council Member Ben Lopez, 4-1

Montlair — The Montlair City Council on a 4‑1 vote adopted Resolution 26‑3511, reaffirming a prior 2022 censure of Council Member Ben Lopez and imposing additional administrative and economic sanctions after an independent workplace investigation and subsequent court findings. The council also approved an amendment to remove Lopez’s photograph from public areas and city web pages.

The resolution, presented by the city’s legal staff, incorporates findings that two city employees filed verified complaints alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation and unlawful sexual harassment. The city manager had previously implemented protective measures to limit Lopez’s contact with staff while an independent investigator reviewed the allegations. The resolution expands those measures to include removal from council committees and liaison posts, restrictions on one‑on‑one contact with city employees, limits on representing the city, and ineligibility for certain city‑paid travel and vehicle allowances.

Why it matters: City officials said the expanded sanctions are intended to protect staff,…