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City manager's employment unresolved after July 11 meeting

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By Shelia Tomkins

The issue of City Manager Mary Willett's employment remained unresolved following a closed session at the regular monthly Guttenberg city council meeting on Monday, July 11.

Her employment has been discussed at two council meetings in June, and in both instances the council went into closed session. On June 27, the council voted 3-2 against offering her a 3-month extension of her employment agreement. 

Willett has been working under an employment agreement since beginning here in January 2014. It has been customary to review employment agreements for non-union workers at the end of the fiscal year, June 30, though no such action was taken on Willett's agreement at that point this year. 

Monday night's meeting saw expanded council chamber seating to accommodate the crowd of approximately 30 in attendance, many of whom support the city manager as well as those who have voiced criticism of her in the past. 

The motion to enter closed session cited Iowa code that allows for that action "where litigation is imminent." Council member Steve Friedlein was the dissenting vote in the 4-1 decision to enter closed session. Assistant City Attorney James Garrett of Waukon attended the closed session; City Attorney Michael Schuster was present but left the meeting at that point.

Prior to entering closed session, Willett's attorney, Chris Fry of Dubuque,  addressed the council on her behalf. He told the council that Willett would like to keep her position, and said that in her 2-1/2 years "she has accomplished a lot for the city." Frye added, "I think to lose her would leave a gaping hole in the management of the city." He also asked council members to consider what is in the best interests of the city. "I saw 96 signatures on a petition to keep her," said Frye. "There's been no wrongdoing...no breach of duties." He cited recent health issues, and noted she is now back to work full-time. "She is committed to the job," said her attorney. "I ask that you vote to keep her." 

Mayor Russ Loven noted that comments on the topic from those in attendance would not be taken. "This is not a hearing," he said. In response to a question from Dr. Chris Hugo, Loven noted that the city manager's position is appointed by the mayor with council approval to hire or remove from office.

When returning to open session the council took no action. The city manager's employment was scheduled to be discussed when the council met in special meeting on Monday, July 18 (after Press deadline).

Other business

Resident Jeff Dolan spoke to the council about high noise levels in the downtown business district when motorcycle groups visit here. Resident Barb Pape spoke about the same issue in residential areas.

Patrick Kennedy of the River's Edge Bakery addressed the council on street closings for special events in the downtown commercial district. Kennedy told the council that his business suffers a substantial financial loss when River Park Drive is closed in his block. "Every time you close a street, you put a nail in our coffin," said Kennedy. He suggested staging events south of the business district. Jeff Oleson, a co-owner of the Dam Bar, told the council that the purpose of  such local events is to promote tourism, and said that many who attend a large group event later make return visits. He noted that other area communities welcome such events. Mayor Loven suggested better communication within the business community. 

Mike Hefel requested and received council approval to pay for half of the legal fees he incurred when changing his lease agreement with the city to accommodate a stairway from the park to the shoreline. 

The council approved a series of ordinance amendments to reflect new fees recently adopted by the council.

Approval was given for traffic signs to be placed at two properties in Guttenberg alerting drivers to deaf individuals in the area.

Cody Austin of IIW Engineers presented a fee estimate to review the scope and cost estimate for remaining levee accreditation work as required by FEMA. The council okayed the proposal. 

The Garber bridge project moved forward when the council okayed sending requests for proposals to five firms.  

A new procedure was instituted at Monday night's meeting — opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jamie Blume was appointed to the board of Kids Kampus.

Lane Lebahn of Laserfiche gave a presentation and estimate on storing and managing city documents.

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