Mayor Vaughan read the following statement into the record regarding personnel matters:
"I am aware that some speakers are here this evening to talk about the dismissal of a fire department employee.
It is important to know that by NC statute and included in our City Charter (Chapter IV, Article 2, Section 4.11 and Article 3, Section 4.21) the Greensboro City Council has two employees: the City Manager and the City Attorney. ALL other employees report to the City Manager or the City Attorney as defined in the organizational chart.
North Carolina statute 160A-168 governs “Privacy of employee personnel records.” It limits public disclosure of certain personnel records. The Greensboro City Council does not have access to employee records except for what can be disclosed to the general public which includes “If the(a) disciplinary action was a dismissal, a copy of the written notice of the final decision of the municipality setting forth the specific acts or omissions that are the basis of the dismissal”. A letter of termination is a public record.
It is also important to know that the City of Greensboro has a strict social media policy. The Fire Department has specific directives that govern social media interaction. Directive 3.22 Section 7 is clear that personal social media posts are prohibited from “forms of speech that ridicule, malign, disparage or otherwise express bias against any race, any religion, or any other protected class of individuals.” The directive also states “public employees, department personnel are cautioned that their speech either on or off duty … may not necessarily be protected speech under the First Amendment.”
The City Council and the City of Greensboro is dedicated to promoting an environment that is free of discrimination, bias and bullying for our residents and for our employees. We have a great regard for the residents of this City, and as such, we hold our public servants to a high standard, given the great responsibility they have in supporting all of our community."
The following speakers highlighted concerns and/or support for the termination of Firefighter Dustin Jones; and the Greensboro Police Department.
Josheph Barbagallo; Guilford for All Jon Dantzier Guilford for All; Billy Belcher; Guilford for All Mollie Blafer; Del Stone; Luis Medina; Guilford Green Foundation Renee Saxon; Juno Rondell; Jethro Rust; Steve Wall; Adrian Harris; Guilford Green Jennifer Ruppe; Sarah Blackwood; Guilford for All Terrell Dungee; Ashley King; Guilford for All Ryan Smith; Citizen - No name provided.; Tyler Beall; Jordan Cameron; Alvin Robinson; Rosalind Robinson; and Paulette Montgomery.
Mayor Vaughan spoke to outburst from the audience; and requested City Attorney Chuck Watts to research banning such speakers from a meeting.
Shanequa Hunter spoke to the Greensboro Kaos Semi-Pro Basketball team; recognized players in attendance; and spoke to the upcoming season and games at Bennett College.
Councilmember Thurm highlighted the July 22nd game at 4 p.m.
Jorge Ramirez spoke to political agendas; and provided information to Council regarding aerospace and safety.
Lisa Carwile commend the GPD; highlighted the Police Academy; and spoke to a police ride-along experience.
Christine Hoepfner spoke to the release of the Body Warn Camera video.
City Attorney Chuck Watts explained a supreme court ruling; and spoke to gag orders.
Mayor Vaughan spoke to a forthcoming GPD policy; and to a Senate Bill.
Curtis Howard representing the Transit Union spoke to wage and benefits; and to federal protections.
CC Crawford, NAACP spoke to employee minimum wages.
Kay Brown, NAACP spoke to workers living wages.
Chelsea (no last name provided) voiced concerns regarding housing and public safety.
Hester Petty voiced concern regarding food deserts.
Korreanne Burt voiced concern regarding rentals properties; and blighted properties.
Siddiga Ahmed Executive Director Helping Hands commended the GPD Police Academy.
Larry Malcolm Smith Jr, NAACP voiced support of the recent termination; and spoke to recent violence on school campus.
Mayor Vaughan spoke to Council speaking engagements on College and University campus'; and declared a recess at 8:19 p.m.
Council reconvened at 8:44 p.m. with all members in attendance.