Residents press for more outreach on comprehensive plan; one resident alleges police misconduct as board approves hires, transfers and appointments

Multiple residents used the public‑comment period at the Town of Olive board meeting on Dec. 8 to press for greater transparency on the comprehensive plan and to raise specific allegations about town staff conduct.

Cheryl McNelie, who opened her remarks by saying she had lived in Olive for more than 60 years, urged the town to provide more public information before the plan’s scheduled public hearing. She said many voters lack internet access and criticized holding key meetings and votes during the coldest weather, calling the timing ‘‘poor planning.’’ She added that residents had been told zoning would remain rural despite the creation of a new sewer district and said that perception had influenced how people voted on sewer issues. “I agree that everyone deserves to have a roof over his or her head,” McNelie said, while warning that sewer‑enabled development could change neighborhood character.

Another resident (Allison) recommended the board hold an informational session with the consultant before the formal hearing so residents can review materials and ask questions beyond the two‑minute public‑hearing statements.

Separately, resident Jason Huffford requested an executive session to discuss "sensitive information" but, after the board declined an in‑camera meeting without counsel, he continued publicly. Huffford alleged a pattern of misconduct by a town employee, saying he had provided the board with complaints, sworn statements and a photo disc he said showed police driving at excessive speeds (he cited photos showing speeds of 105–108 mph). He alleged an employee had been involuntarily hospitalized in 2011 and had left a gun in a public bathroom, and that the town repeatedly classified complaints as "unfounded." Huffford characterized the conduct as official misconduct ‘‘which is a class A misdemeanor’’ and said he would distribute his documents to media outlets if the board did not act to his satisfaction. The board did not take immediate disciplinary action at the meeting and noted prior investigative findings; Supervisor Franco declined the requested executive‑session meeting without counsel present.

On personnel and budget matters, the board approved hiring two police officers — Jordan Burrien (already completed training) and Joshua Kurs (academy enrollment in January) — following brief introductions by a part‑time sergeant. The board also approved multiple line‑item transfers in the general and highway funds, and approved vouchers for payment (highway fund vouchers and others as read into the record). The board appointed Pam Kelsman as deputy town clerk/tax collector (effective Dec. 10, 2025) and later appointed John McHugh to the planning board to complete a term.

What’s next: the comprehensive plan public hearing will be held Jan. 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.; the board did not take further disciplinary action on the allegations raised publicly and referred personnel procedures to appropriate processes.

Attribution: quotes and attributions in this article come from residents who spoke during the public‑comment period and from the meeting record as read aloud by the clerk and supervisors during the Dec. 8 meeting.