MyhreRussellValley City (CSi) Valley City’s City Attorney, Russell Myhre claims Valley City Mayor Bob Werkhoven has created a hostile work environment in City Hall, also alleging Werkhoven harassed city employees including Myhre.

Myhre has issued a grievance about Werkhoven’s behavior to his attorney Joseph Larson who represents Myhre and three other city employees.

After reviewing the Myhre grievance, Larson says Mayor Werkhoven’s conduct is erratic and his behavior combative.

In a another issue, four city employees want an investigation into whether Robert Drake’s “letter of 15 questions,” presented to the city in December are defamatory, and if Mayor Werkhoven was involved in creating the letter.

SwensonDavidLtMeanwhile, Valley City Police Lt. David Swenson is accusing Valley City Mayor Bob Werkhoven of creating an abusive and hostile work environment.

In his grievance Swenson accused the Mayor of trying to get people to protest his promotion to Lieutenant during a swearing in ceremony in November of 2015.

Swenson said that this issue stems from 2011 when the city of Valley City tried to fire Dean Ross and Swenson over false accusation.  He said Ross and the city reached a settlement and he retired in good standing.  Swenson said Mayor Werkhoven has disliked him since this incident.

Swenson’s attorney Joseph Larson said Mayor Werkhoven has hated Swenson for supporting former police chief Dean Ross and carried a personal grudge against Swenson.

CSiNewsNOW News Background:  

June 2010:  Werkhoven defeats incumbent Mayor Mary Lee Nielsen

January 2012:  Werkhoven survives recall election defeating former police chief Dean Ross

June 2014:   Werkhoven re-elected,  defeating Jeff Edwards.

January 2016:  City Attorney Russell Myhre and police Lt. David Swenson bring grievances.

January 2016:  Police Chief Fred Thompson brings grievance.

January 2016:  City Administrator David Schelkoph has brought a grievance.

January 2016:  Mayor Werkhoven responds to allegations