Bayfield’s town board has voted to pursue the removal of Trustee Alexis Hartz following a dispute with a resident in December.
The motion, introduced by Trustee Brenna Morlan and seconded by Kat Katsos, passed 4-3, highlighting a clear division among board members.
Katsos voiced strong support for Hartz’s removal.
“It is my feeling that our citizens should not feel threatened by any representation of this town – ever,” she said. “I find this behavior absolutely appalling.”
Hartz was accused of confronting and attempting to intimidate resident Lucy Stewart at her home in Bayfield in early December.
Stewart was among 50 residents who signed a letter calling for Hartz’s resignation, citing concerns about the legitimacy of her appointment and her impact on the board’s ability to govern effectively.
According to Stewart, Hartz arrived unannounced and demanded an explanation for the letter. The conversation, which occurred in Stewart’s driveway, escalated as Hartz allegedly ignored requests to leave.
Stewart said Hartz became increasingly agitated and continued to demand that she “explain herself.” She said she got into her van to avoid Hartz, whom she feared might hit her.
“She kept taking steps toward me, and she was in my bubble – right up next to me – and I thought she was going to hit me,” Stewart said.
She added that Hartz hit the vehicle multiple times before finally leaving.
In a statement to police, Hartz admitted going to Stewart’s home to confront her about the letter and accused Stewart of hitting her with the van – a claim Stewart denied.
Following the incident, Hartz was issued a citation for harassment. She later entered into a diversion agreement – an alternative resolution that allows charges to be dismissed upon successful completion of specific requirements.
Hartz told the board she completed the agreement on May 18.
During public comment at the July 1 board meeting, Stewart spoke about the effect the incident had on her sense of safety and expressed disappointment that Hartz had not been held accountable.
“I just feel like I’m not safe where I’m at now,” Stewart said. “Plus, I think she could come back after me. That’s why I really was pushing for them – the courts and Durango – to do something and hold her accountable.”
Hartz interrupted her multiple times, saying the matter “was not the town’s business,” that the charges had been dropped and that she had been vindicated.
The town’s legal counsel clarified that a diversion agreement is not a declaration of guilt or innocence and should not be cited as proof of “vindication.”
Hartz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
During the meeting, Morlan said she was seeking Hartz’s removal because Hartz’s actions could potentially “expose the town to pecuniary and civil liability.”
In fact, Stewart also suggested she would be pursuing further legal action.
She declined to discuss specifics, telling The Durango Herald she was not at liberty to speak about the matter at this time.
Mayor Tom Au voted against the motion and expressed confusion over why the board was still discussing the issue.
Au said he voted “no” because Hartz was not convicted in court. He said he believes in the principle of innocent until proven guilty and did not view Hartz’s confrontation with Stewart as inappropriate.
“Doesn't a board member have a right to know what that person’s beef is?” Au said. “I mean, we are working for the public. So if someone in the public has an issue with someone on the board, there should be a discussion of that so we can represent them more fairly and accurately.”
Going forward, Morlan must submit written charges against Hartz before the board can proceed with a hearing.
Neither Morlan nor Katsos were immediately available for comment.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
