Jennifer Sasso addresses the Dunkirk Common Council.

The Dunkirk Common Council expressed disgust Tuesday that city-contracted attorney Elliot Raimondo served a resident with a lawsuit as she was about to speak at the previous council meeting.

Raimondo handed a lawsuit to Jennifer Sasso immediately after she stood at the speaker’s podium. Sasso, the former dog control officer, was there to complain about alleged City Hall mismanagement of Dunkirk’s animal control efforts. However, she was first slapped with a court action from Mayor Kate Wdowiasz over her own alleged failings, including defamation and theft.

Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak said, “I want all residents of Dunkirk to know that I completely disagree with the decision to serve legal papers to any resident, especially while they are at the podium during privilege of the floor. This was both inappropriate and unacceptable, particularly during a council meeting.”

Luczkowiak vowed she would not keep her mouth shut the next time “thoughtless actions” occur at a council meeting.

She said, “Moving forward, I have decided to express my beliefs at each council meeting, and no longer remain silent about thoughtless actions. I will emphasize the importance of adhering to certain standards that we all must uphold.”

Speaking immediately after Luczkowiak, Councilman Frank Torain said he seconded what she had just said.

“I also found it inappropriate, (and was) caught off guard by the actions that were taken,” he commented. Torain then emphasized that the council has “no intention of cutting off public comments through intimidation or the threat of a lawsuit.”