By Rich Wicks
A special meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held on May 16 at 7 p.m., with all members in attendance: Mary Tjepkes, Rocky Vreeman, Mayor Al Williams, Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett, and Brody Mensink. A large crowd of citizens was also in attendance, with people standing at the back of the room due to not enough chairs to seat everyone who showed up.
The only agenda items were consideration of a contract with Peopleservices to maintain operations at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), locks for city hall, and approving minutes of the May 3 special meeting. Citizens spoke up asking why the Peopleservices contract was the first item on the agenda, when it was the most recently added item. Others asked about the wisdom of potentially approving a WWTP contract with Peopleservices, in case the recently fired maintenance worker (Mark Arndt) may need to be reinstated. Another citizen asked if one of the council members (Brody Mensink) is preparing to move out of town, and may therefore not have Wykoff’s best interests in mind. Mensink answered, “As of now, I’m staying in town.”
Throughout the meeting, many citizens raised their hands to be recognized and address the council with their questions and concerns. The majority of these spoke of their feelings that the mayor and council were not following appropriate procedures, or were failing to act in the best interest of the citizens of Wykoff. Citizens and council members spent time comparing the proposed cost of the Peopleservices contract to the wages earned by Mark Arndt while he was employed, but a clear comparison was not reached because of the differing factors, such as Arndt also performing other duties for the city.
Rick Whitney was on hand, representing Peopleservices. In answer to questions about the WWTP, he stated, “All you need is a Class B (license) to run that plant.” He also explained that Peopleservices generally offers a three-year or five-year contract, with an option to opt out within 90 days if Peopleservices is not performing their duties as expected. After lengthy discussion, he offered the city a 90-day window to opt out for any reason, but stipulated that after 90 days, it would be a five-year contract. After discussion, the council voted to accept this plan, with Vreeman voting no.
The council shared copies of the transcript of conversations recorded by Mark Arndt on February 15 and 16, when he and Becky Schmidt argued. According to the transcript, on February 15, Arndt became upset when he showed up at city hall for scheduled interviews for a part-time maintenance helper. The interviews had been canceled, and Arndt had not been informed. On February 16, according to the transcript, Arndt and Schmidt argued in city hall about applications for the part-time position, and how the background checks were conducted.
The council also shared minutes of the council’s May 3 special meeting, which was attended by all council members, Schmidt, Mark Arndt and his attorney, and Wykoff’s city attorney. According to the minutes, Arndt waived his right to a closed meeting, so the meeting was open. Minutes show that Mayor Williams felt the arguments constituted disorderly conduct and “hostile work environment” by Arndt. There was discussion about the suggested steps of progressive discipline (including verbal warning, written warning, suspension, etc) but that these steps are not required in every situation.
According to minutes, a motion was made and seconded to terminate Arndt’s employment. Vreeman voiced his opinion that since both Arndt and Schmidt had sworn and shouted in the recorded arguments, the city should not discipline just one of them. He added, “Al, you have had a vendetta against Mark since day one just like he said. You told people out on the street ‘one down, two to go.” We got people who will testify to that. So don’t sit there and say you didn’t do that. This is not good for the city of Wykoff, when stuff like this happens. You were all elected by the citizens of Wykoff for the best interest of the city, and this is not in the best interest.” The council then voted on the motion to terminate Arndt’s employment. Vreeman was the only “no” vote, so the motion passed by a four to one margin.
Citizens addressed the council, with most speaking in favor of keeping Arndt in his position for the city. One spoke up, asking why nobody on the council had approached Arndt following the arguments to get his side of the story. Another asked, “I’m wondering what it is this council has against city workers.” Council members explained they had been instructed by the city attorney not to respond to discussion on this topic, so citizens aired their opinions for approximately thirty minutes.
The agenda item regarding locks for city hall was tabled, because the city does not yet have pricing information. The meeting adjourned about 8:50 p.m. The council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.
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