werkhovenBobVALLEY CITY, N.D. (AP-CSi) – Valley City Mayor Bob Werkhoven has resigned.

The 85-year-old Werkhoven said  in a radio  interview Thursday morning that recent health issues prompted him to step down from the office he’s held since 2010.

Four city employees earlier this year filed a grievance against Werkhoven for allegedly creating a hostile work environment. He denied the allegations by City Administrator David Schelkoph, Police Chief Fred Thompson, Police Lt. David Swenson and City Attorney Russ Myhre.

Those individuals are represented by Jamestown Attorney, Joe Larson who said his clients wish Werkhoven well in the future.

Larson says he and his clients will decide what direction the grievances may take, if any, in the future.

Werkhoven says the dispute had nothing to do with his decision to resign Thursday.

Werkhoven has served Valley City for 14 years, and was elected in 2010.

He won a recall election in January 2012, picking up 1,124  votes or 56 percent of votes cast.