11-04-2025
Dissmissed Waldport mayor removed from city council meeting, cited for disorderly conduct
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Waldport's former mayor Heide Lambert had to be removed from a city council meeting Thursday after she took a seat at the city council meeting and refused to move, authorities said.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, leading up to the meeting, there had been concern about a disruption from the former mayor after she was removed from her post by the council earlier in April.
Lambert was removed from office after city staff said she created a hostile work environment, demanding that they follow her direction when under the City Charter, she had no authority over them.
Search suspended for Kaylee Birt, missing woman in Harney County
In a statement from the Waldport City Council, they shared that the former mayor's actions could be a cause for legal concern.
'We have never had an elected city official treat staff this way. What may seem like a minor incident is actually a serious legal concern. Hostile work environment complaints lead to staff leaving positions, to costly lawsuits against the city, and to a near stop in city operations. In January, each of us, including Mayor Lambert, swore to uphold the Waldport City Charter and the Oregon and United States Constitutions. We take that pledge seriously.'
At the meeting Thursday night, authorities said Lambert took a seat at the council's table and made a statement.
She was asked several times by council members to leave, but officials said she refused and hindered the meeting.
Members from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office attempted to remove Lambert peacefully, explaining the legal consequences. Officials said she continued to refuse.
Eventually, Lambert was escorted outside and cited for disorderly conduct before being released, where she was able to return to the meeting and sit in the public seating area.
'We recognize this event has caused concern and strong emotions within our community,' the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. 'Our office does not take such actions lightly. Regardless of a person's status or position, the law applies equally to everyone. When a lawful order is issued and refused, our duty is to uphold the law while maintaining order and safety.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
