Peterson Staff Changes

The Peterson City staff is changing once again. At the February 12 meeting, the council considered staffing changes for the city clerk and public works director.

The change of roles began at a November 25 special meeting to discuss the proposed resignation of Public Works Director Tim Hallum. Hallum had tendered his resignation with City Clerk Chris Grindland, effective December 15, verbally agreeing to stay on part time and train a new employee. However, Mayor Chris Stenzel suggested a new option at the meeting to keep Hallum on and have Grindland step up from part time to full time, handling Public Works backup and some workload in addition to the clerk responsibilities effective December 1.

However, on the morning of November 27, the city published a notice looking for a new part-time city clerk/treasurer. After further reflection, Grindland determined it would be best to focus on just the public works portion of his job rather than the public works and clerk duties. The council ultimately approved Grindland to work in the Public Works Department part time, as well as seeking a new part-time clerk/treasurer for operational responsibilities.

During the January 7 meeting, the council introduced temporary, part-time City Clerk Cyndy Gove. The next day, Gove contacted this reporter to announce that she would not take on the new role.

At the February 12 meeting, Acting Mayor Tracy Seelbinder, standing in for Mayor Chris Stenzel, who was absent, formally announced Gove had resigned from the position. Seelbinder noted that once Gove had “gotten into it a little bit,” she’d determined the role wasn’t for her and resigned. The resignation was approved by the council unanimously.

The following agenda item was the hiring of Violet Richardson as the new part-time city clerk. Richardson recently met with Grindland to discuss the duties and responsibilities.

“I did show her the good, bad, and difficult things,” said Grindland.

He later indicated that Richardson, a citizen since 2019, seemed enthusiastic about the job. The council unanimously approved the hire.

Following this, the next item of consideration was again the resignation of Hallum as Public Works Director, effective February 28. With some comments of reluctance, the council unanimously approved the resignation.

The city published the vacancy for the public works director position ahead of the meeting in the Fillmore County Journal, on the city’s Facebook page, and with the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce. The city is accepting applications until February 21.

“I think we’re going to have a tough time filling this,” said Grindland.

The city has received some interest regarding the position, but no applications at the time of the meeting. Grindland stressed that everyone is encouraged to apply for the position. 

Duties and responsibilities include water and wastewater operation, snow plowing, lawn mowing, ground and building maintenance, reading electric meters, campground management, and other duties as assigned and directed by the council. Applicants must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license and a safe driving record. The city will train whoever fills the role but prefers experience operating street and snow plow equipment, a riding lawn mower and tractor, and the ability to be on call during non-work hours.

While the desired qualifications include a Class D water license and Class C sewer license, applicants will also be considered with the ability to obtain them within one to three years of taking the job. The city is contracting with former director Rick Less through the end of 2025 for required water and sewer licenses.

Interested persons should contact Grindland at 507-696-9146 or petersoncity@gmail.com.