Following disruptive and threatening behavior at a March 7 Three Rivers City Commission meeting, a majority vote on March 21 could pass a resolution of censure to condemn the behavior and lay out expectations for how At-Large Commissioner Lucas Allen should conduct himself in the future.

The resolution of censure states Allen disrupted the orderly course of business for the March 7 meeting by way of the following conduct: repeated verbal outbursts while others had the right to speak, repeated use of profanity, threatening behavior, refusal to comply with the duties of the mayor to conduct the meeting, personal verbal attacks against members of the commission, and antagonizing and demeaning comments toward city staff. The R\resolution goes on to say Commissioner Allen’s conduct has “damaged the reputation of the City of Three Rivers, and diminished the goodwill between the commission, and the citizens.”

Moving forward, the resolution lays out expectations for Allen’s conduct in future interactions with city commissioners, city staff, and citizens, including but not limited to: refraining from the use of profanity and personal attacks against anyone participating in any meeting or gathering of the City of Three Rivers; observing Roberts Rules of Order and not disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting; remaining respectful to staff as they present requests and/or recommendations; maintaining the highest standard of personal integrity and working with the city commission and staff to further the work of the city that benefits all residents, visitors and businesses.

According to the resolution of censure, “Any future behavior or conduct from Allen not in conformity with the resolution, Roberts Rules of Order, city charter or city guidelines will result in removal from the meeting by the Sergeant of Arms, and investigated for any perceived violation of any criminal law that may have been broken.” City Attorney TJ Reed explained to Watershed Voice, “Per the charter, the Sergeant of Arms is the Chief of Police or the designee appointed by the Chief of Police.”

In a statement regarding Allen’s behavior City Manager Joe Bippus told Watershed Voice, “I know Commissioner Allen understands that he behaved inappropriately, and is willing to take responsibility for it. The city commission has the option to address the situation next week if they wish to.”

Watershed Voice received a text/email from Allen on the morning of Saturday, March 18 which read, “I will be issuing a statement that is well-deserved to the Three Rivers City staff, Commission, and most importantly the citizens of Three Rivers. I owe all of them and more a massive apology.” Allen stated he was also contacting “other unbiased media outlets” and asked Watershed to contact him before 2 p.m. on the 18th before he issued his apology himself. Watershed Voice reached out to Allen, but at the time of publication he had not responded, and had not yet issued a public apology. 

Tuesday night’s city commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at Three Rivers City Hall, located at 333 W. Michigan Ave. A copy of the resolution of censure may be found on the city’s website.

Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.