Town Council meeting held on 6/2/2025 citizens express concerns about formal complaints filed against a town councilor, Deb Paul by former Town Councilor John Farrell. The discussion highlights a divided community and tensions surrounding allegations of code of ethics and town charter violations. While some speakers advocate for internal resolution to avoid legal fees and maintain community unity, others emphasize the importance of due process through an independent investigation. The meeting brings to light worries about confidentiality breaches regarding the complaints and the intimidation of residents who might otherwise bring forward concerns. Ultimately, the council acknowledges the complaints and votes to engage an independent third-party investigator to review them, with councilor Deb Paul recusing herself from the vote.
There is some irony over the concern over releasing information on complaints made to the Town Council. During John Farrell’s tenure on the council he appears to have been distributing emails he received as a town councilor to a personal distribution list. Questions were raised over the email distribution, but the Town Council and Town Manager refused to respond.
This is also not the first ethics complaint that the council has received. An ethics complaint filed against John Farrell was dismissed without a third part investigation.
In regard to accusations of intimidation from the Town Council, again this is not the first time town councilors have called out residents who contacted the council. During a past meeting former Town Councilor Jim Butler called out residents, who were not allowed to respond, in fact they were gaveled down by John Farrell.
The current complaint does emphasize the need to review the policies and procedures regarding complaints and how they are handled by the town.
NOTE: This video is edited to include only comments in regard to the ethics complaint. The full meeting video can be viewed HERE
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Councilor Butler Calls Out ‘The Group’