Normal City Manager Pam Reece said she is satisfied with the public way the Town Council debunked council member Stan Nord's unfounded ethics allegations against Reece during a special meeting on the topic last week.
Reece said it was important for the morale of town staff to hear council members respond to Nord because such statements have an impact on any group.
"I think in any organization, any accusations of ethical impropriety or integrity issues is very difficult. That is stressful for all. I think a public conversation addressing those issues head on is very important for the culture," said Reece.
Reece said at the meeting she will not take potential future allegations by Nord lightly. In an interview on WGLT's Sound Ideas, she explained she will ask for a public accounting of the matter from the council if Nord makes statements in the future.
"I have asked council to go into executive session if there is a legitimate concern. Alternatively, if not, I certainly would hope and expect that the record be set straight so there is no confusion," said Reece.
She declined to say whether Nord's unfounded statements amounted to defamation or were actionable.
"To put something out in a public meeting and not have it addressed I think is unfortunate for anyone, not just me. If we want to make accusations of anyone's ethical standards or integrity, I just think we always should be cautious," said Reece.
Nord declined to comment to WGLT after the special meeting.
Reece said in the interview the Normal Town Council has one employee — the city manager — and the meeting was a discussion between employee and employer. She said such conversations are never easy and she is glad it's done and the town is moving forward.
