Overview
- The council voted 5-2 on Nov. 18 to remove the open Call to the Public period, while keeping comment on official agenda items.
- Resident Bethany Culp filed a Notice of Claim naming the town, Mayor Gerry Friedel, Vice Mayor Allen Skillicorn and Councilmember Hannah Larrabee, alleging Establishment Clause violations tied to a Sept. 16 meeting.
- The claim cites eulogies and remarks about Charlie Kirk that included prayer and Christian theology during council reports and public comment.
- Town attorney Jennifer Wright advised temporarily removing the Call to the Public and certain summary reports to limit potential civil rights complaints.
- The meeting was tense and briefly cleared by the mayor; opponents on the dais included Peggy McMahon and Brenda Kalivianakis, and the mayor says a work group will review procedures with possible restoration, while the claim seeks $1,000, an apology and training.