City manager: Meeting on councilor probe will be public but may not be televised

City Councilor Chris Rice (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The May 2 meeting where an investigative team formed by the mayor will decide whether or not alleged wrongdoing by City Councilor Chris Rice should be referred to City Council for a vote will be public, but may not be live-streamed or recorded, the City Manager's office told The Rochester Voice on Saturday.

Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan announced the formation of the investigative subcommittee at council's April 5 meeting. The panel, led by City Councilor Pete Lachapelle, also includes Skip Gilman and Amy Malone.

According to the mayor's directive, they are expected to report back to City Council on its conclusions following the probe.

Callaghan said the allegations involve violations of city policy that could constitute misconduct in office.

In addition the mayor temporarily stripped Rice of his chairmanship of the public safety committee while the investigation is ongoing.

His temporary replacement will be Lachapelle, who is vice chair.

City Manager Blaine Cox said he is trying to line up a TV operator to televise the upcoming meeting, but finding city personnel is a challenge right now.

"We are down staff and I'm not sure if I can get coverage where this is not a regular meeting time," he said.

Cox said if he is able to secure staff, however, it will be televised.

The meeting begins at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall, and the public is invited to attend.