MyhreRussell

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session, Tuesday morning at 7-O’Clock,  and was considering and acting upon an agreement with City Attorney Russell Myhre.

The agreement calls for Myhre to step down.

Myhre has served since 2011, and participated in grievances against city officials.

The agreement calls for a settlement of damages on behalf of the city.

Mayor Carlsrud said the Myhre law firm suffered economic hardships due to allegations of a hostile work environment, involving  former mayor Bob Werkhoven, Myhre and three other city employees earlier in 2016.

The severance and release agreement, states that, on January 25, 2016, Myhre, together with the City Administrator, the Chief of Police, and a lieutenant in the Valley City Police Department filed a Grievance against the former Mayor of the City, in which Myhre alleged that he was being subjected to a hostile and abusive work environment.

It further states that Myhre has alleged damages as a result of the hostile and abusive work environment, and Myhre and the City desire to enter into a severance agreement related to Myhre’s appointment as City Attorney.

The parties agreement,  settles all claims against the other, whether known or unknown, related to Myhre’s term as City Attorney.

The settlement includes a severance package of a  $150,000 pay out over two years.

Myhre will stay on as the City Attorney for six months, or until a new City Attorney is hired.

Myhre will  continue during a transition to a new City Attorney.

Myhre said it’s been “A rocky road,” serving as City Attorney.

He noted working with the city on Permanent Flood Protection, and Re-codifying the city’s code.

He said he enjoyed working with city officials.

He said while not retiring he is “winding down,” his career.

Commissioners voted to approve.

The meeting was recorded by CSi 68, with showings starting Tuesday morning.

Also on the City Commission agenda a Memorandum of Understanding with Valley City Public School District concerning a School Resource Officer Program. All members were present.

Commissioners on Tuesday,  approved the memorandum.

City Administrator David Schelkoph said the agreement was in the works the past few weeks, and all legal aspects are in order.

Last week, the Valley City School Board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Valley City to hire a School Resource Officer.

Valley City police officer Sean Hagen takes on the position of  the new School Resource Officer in the Valley City School District on January 3, 2017.

Under the agreement, the school district will pay $30,000 per year toward the cost of Hagen’s salary and benefits, and that any party may cancel the memorandum of understanding without cause after giving a 90-day written notice.

The agreement will be reviewed annually to reflect cost-of-living salary adjustments.

Superintendent Josh Johnson says the position will have a positive impact on our schools and the community, and he looks forward to working with the city.