More fallout in Saratoga Springs Tuesday night following a commissioner’s decision to bring a criminal charge against a Black Lives Matter activist connected to a heated council meeting last month.
The council is considering a resolution that would formally separate the city from Public Safety Commissioner Jim Montagnino’s actions.
While the council was set to vote on it Tuesday, Mayor Ron Kim decided to hold the vote until the next city council meeting after rebuttal from Montagnino, who cited typos in the resolution’s text. Montagnino also questioned the city attorney over the legality of it, asking if a resolution like this has ever been put forth before.
What the resolution essentially states is that Montagnino acted alone and as a private citizen when he decided to file a disorderly conduct violation against Black Lives Matter activist Chandler Hickenbottom.
The charge is connected to a chaotic city council meeting that occurred February 7th where things got so disorderly that council members abruptly ended the meeting early and rescheduled it.
If this resolution is approved, the city is asserting that it should not be held liable for any civil actions, damages, or other liability resulting from Montagnino’s pursuit of this criminal charge.
While Chandler was not available for an interview Tuesday, Saratoga Black Lives leader Lexis Figuereo offered CBS6 his reaction.
“We commend the city council in taking a step forward,” said Figuereo. “We’re happy about them speaking against the charge but it’s more actually doing action and this is action they put to show that they are not – as well as the liability of the city – to be held liable for Jim’s actions.”
Montagnino sent CBS 6 the following statement in response to the council's resolution:
The proposed resolution is an unprecedented, clear violation of settled principles of defense and indemnification of city officials for acts done in their official capacities. I filed the complaint as Commissioner of Public Safety and am legally entitled to the protections available to all other public officials. This resolution is nothing short of a bullying tactic intended to threaten me by putting my personal finances at risk. I never have and never will give in to bullies.
Chandler Hickenbottom did not simply speak past her allotted time. Her curse-laden tirade resulted in the complete disruption of a City Council meeting and necessitated the scheduling of another meeting to conduct the city’s business.
The city council will vote on this resolution during their next council meeting April 4th.