VCcommValley City (CSi) Bob Drake, who has been pushing to eliminate the city police department, has been removed from this evening’s Valley City Commission agenda and barred from addressing leaders at their meeting.

Drake was going to urge commissioners to immediately terminate Chief Fred Thompson, who last month announced he would resign in January. Thompson’s announcement came days before it was revealed that he had pointed his gun at a father playing war games with his sons using toy guns. No action was taken against Thompson, who said he thought the father was toting a real semi-automatic rifle.

After that incident, Drake, a frequent critic of city government, proposed eliminating the police department and having its services provided by the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Valley City City Attorney Russell Myhre,says officials were concerned that Drake planned to level new allegations against Thompson, which could violate the police chief’s due process rights.

Drake believes his free speech rights are taking a back seat to Thompson’s procedural rights.

City Administrator David Schelkoph wrote Drake to explain the city’s position, including a memo from Myhre explaining the due process concerns, which give public employees the right to defend themselves when accused of improper conduct.

But Drake, said he was not planning on leveling new accusations against Thompson, and believes he is being unfairly muzzled.

Myhre says the city cannot summarily dismiss an employee, and has to go through proper procedures before disciplining or terminating employees, including providing a hearing.