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Councilmember Anderson calls Gardner’s earlier accusations 'breathtaking' as ethics policy gets renewed attention
Summary
A sharp exchange during council comments saw Councilmember Anderson accuse Councilmember Gardner of publicly accusing staff of 'nefarious' or criminal behavior without evidence; Gardner apologized and reiterated the need to update the city’s ethics policy and discussed a Section 106 review tied to an AT&T project.
During council comments Sept. 9, Councilmember Anderson criticized remarks made previously by Councilmember Gardner about city staff during debate over the short‑term rental moratorium, saying that publicly accusing staff of "nefarious" or criminal behavior without evidence is a serious ethical breach and calling the conduct "breathtaking." Anderson said such behavior undercuts basic expectations for ethical public service.
Gardner, who apologized for arriving late to the meeting, reiterated his support for updating the city's ethics policy and listed specific reasons for change. He said he had met with a cultural resource protection manager at the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office regarding an AT&T project and stated that "the FC requested that AT&T consult with SHPO and tribes to complete a NHA PA Section 106 review."
Councilmember Dean noted the city already has an ethics policy on file (resolution 081110‑C) and that the policy text was included in the council's Sept. 4 packet (page 25). No formal motion or vote on changes to the ethics policy occurred at the Sept. 9 meeting.
