Letters to the Editor have detailed “shock and disappointment” and “disgust” over the mayors alleged “bullying” of Cr Napoli, as well as his “failure to follow correct procedure.”

Cr Dal Broi admitted he was “tense”, however says his frustration was a result of being tied by that  procedure – which he “did not break”.

“I’ll admit I was a bit tense, because I am restricted by meeting procedure - it was the second time Cr Napoli asked to change the motion she seconded, and no other councillor seconded that change so I had to run with that,” Cr Dal Broi said.

When approached, Cr Napoli said she thought councillors needed to remember why they are there.

“The meetings are all recorded, so I will leave it for the people to judge,” Cr Napoli said.

“Personal issues should be left at home and we should not forget why we are there - we are all popularly elected by the community to do the best we can for them.

“I don’t understand… I have always worked well with him, and his reaction was a big surprise to me.”

Cr Dal Broi said “tensions” in the council have “escalated recently” which he attributes to the “political motivations” of some councillors.

Deputy Mayor Doug Curran said he agreed the mayor was very “strong” in his communications with Cr Napoli during the meeting, but also understood his predicament.

“I think if John had his time again he might re-think what he said and how he said it. I understand he has some external pressures.

“From my point of view I would like to take a more active role in trying to smooth the waters between councillors, and to act as a circuit breaker,” Cr Curran said.

To hear the recording from October 9, head to council’s website.