Council directs staff to explore protections for employees; asks manager to petition state on Nash Road speed

Councilmember Draper brought forward a discussion item at the July 13 meeting asking the administration to develop guidance and possible ordinance language to protect city employees from harassment, intimidation and threatening conduct by members of the public. Draper said examples include publishing employees’ personal phone numbers and repeated calls, texts or messages that cross the line from legitimate public discourse into harassment.

"Our employees are our city's greatest asset," Draper said, asking the council to direct the administration and city attorney to research how other municipalities handle these issues and to return with recommendations that "protect our employees while fully respecting the public's constitutional rights to free speech and to petition the government." The city attorney agreed to assist and cautioned the council to draft narrowly to avoid First Amendment conflicts.

Separately, Councilmember Calhoun raised safety concerns about Nash Road, where a posted 55 mph limit is showing increasing heavy-truck and development traffic. Calhoun asked the city to petition the state for a uniform 45 mph designation on Nash Road; the council asked the city manager to draft a letter for review and to coordinate with neighboring Bear Creek where appropriate.

Council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting but agreed to the direction to have staff and the city attorney develop policy options for council consideration and to draft a timely petition letter regarding Nash Road speed limits for the next meeting.