NASHUA — For the second time this year, city aldermen were warned Tuesday to be more respectful and courteous to one another.

“We have set the bar lower and lower and managed to get under it every time,” said Brian McCarthy, president of the Board of Aldermen. “ ... People need to express basic respect for each other.”

McCarthy said he is not proud of how a Budget Review Committee meeting last Thursday unfolded, and apologized to the board for not stopping a discussion that took place in the absence of Alderman Mark Cookson.

During the meeting, which Cookson could not attend because of a family medical emergency, accusations were made about Cookson failing to file necessary documents and paperwork with the Review and Comment Commission.

At the time, Alderman Lori Wilshire said Cookson was doing a disservice to the commission, and apologized for her colleague. Other comments were made in regard to Cookson’s absence, and at least two attempts were made to discontinue discussions until Cookson was present. But those efforts failed.

Cookson said he was disappointed with last week’s meeting and felt he had been “attacked” by fellow aldermen.

“It certainly wasn’t fair,” said Cookson.

Wilshire apologized to Cookson, but said she was not sorry for speaking up.

Cookson explained that the paperwork alleged to have been missing was readily available, but that no one asked him for the necessary documentation.

Aldermen eventually voted unanimously to enforce a standard of decorum, but not before some tense moments.

McCarthy brought up the aldermanic Code of Conduct and asked each board member to vote that they would make better attempts to enforce a standard of decorum.

“I don’t think we need a vote,” said Alderman Paul Chasse, saying he has been abiding the Code of Conduct throughout his tenure.

Alderman Barbara Pressly questioned exactly what she was voting for, asking for clarification on the specific standards referred to in the standard of decorum.

McCarthy responded that the exact standards would be detailed at a later date.

“My point is, I don’t know what I am voting on,” Pressly said.

The current Code of Conduct was read aloud. It includes treating fellow board members with respect and courtesy, and also providing assistance to one another to reach common goals.

Just three months ago, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau warned aldermen about the tone of meetings, encouraging and reminding city officials to be respectful of one another.

After a heated debate in March about a controversial piece of property off Concord Street, she urged elected officials to govern together instead of making claims about underhanded deals.

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Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.