Investigation into Brooklyn Park Council Member Alleges ‘Unwanted Touch’ and ‘Intimidation’
A redacted investigative report obtained by CCX News sheds further light into alleged workplace conduct violations by a sitting Brooklyn Park City Council member.
Report, dated Feb. 16, alleges Brooklyn Park council member Boyd Morson engaged in “some level of unwanted physical contact” with a female city employee
The report, dated Feb. 16, alleges that council member Boyd Morson engaged in “some level of unwanted physical contact” with a female city employee.
According to the report, Morson subjected the employee to “unwelcome physical touch when he stood behind her chair, bent over her chair, and whispered into her ear while rubbing the back of her shoulders and neck.” The report also accuses Morson of trying to intimidate the alleged victim.
The report says the alleged victim has “nothing to gain” by raising her concerns and she filed a report with her supervisor the day after the incident.
An email where the alleged victim documented the physical contact read, “This behavior is not welcome or appreciated. It is inappropriate. I understand that in my role, I am to be respectful of elected officials and not respond in kind when I am spoken to in that matter. I follow that direction willingly. I am not willing to submit to unwanted or extended physical contact from a council person.”
An independent investigation into the matter has begun. So far, the report states that Morson has not cooperated with the investigation unless certain demands are met, including that he’s given the name of the person who filed the complaint.
CCX News has not heard from Morson in an attempt seeking further comment.
The Brooklyn Park City Council voted this week to direct the attorney to draft a resolution censuring Morson. The vote removes Morson from committees, commissions and boards, but not his elected council seat. Morson will also now have to send communications through the city manager or have the city manager copied on all other communication.
