The Bangor City Council convened on August 25, 2025, to address a significant matter concerning the censure of Councilor Leonard. The meeting began with procedural discussions regarding the validity of the censure process under the city’s code of ethics.

Councilor Fournier initiated the meeting with a motion, which prompted a point of order raised by another councilor. This councilor expressed concerns that the proceedings did not adhere to the required notice and hearing protocols outlined in the ethics code. The city solicitor responded, clarifying that the notice for the meeting was sufficient and that the hearing was occurring at that moment.

A series of inquiries followed regarding Councilor Leonard's ability to participate in the vote on his own censure. It was confirmed that while he could not vote, he was permitted to present evidence in his defense. However, further debate ensued over whether he should be required to leave the room during the proceedings, as stipulated by the ethics code. The chair ruled that Leonard did not have a conflict of interest that necessitated his removal.

Councilor Beck then moved to question the legitimacy of the current proceedings under the ethics code, emphasizing the need for a formal hearing. A vote was called to determine if the council believed the procedure was proper. The outcome was 6 votes in favor and 3 against, allowing the meeting to proceed to public comment.

During the public comment segment, residents were reminded to focus their remarks strictly on the issues related to the censure order. One resident, Brian Ray, raised concerns about the finance director's delays in completing the 2024 audit, although his comments were deemed outside the scope of the current discussion.

The meeting highlighted procedural complexities within the council's operations and underscored the importance of adhering to established ethical guidelines. The council's next steps will involve further deliberation on the censure matter, with public input continuing to shape the discussion.