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City Council Minutes <br />February S, 2010 <br />Page 6 <br />Councilmember Gumphrey stated that comments From ERMU Commissioners, employees, <br />and City Attorney Peter Beck have been provided for Council review. He indicated he <br />believes the issue is apparent and asked for Commissioner Touchette's resignation. <br />Mr. Touchette distributed a handout outlining facts he believes were left out of the above <br />mentioned comments. He reviewed these items with the Council. <br />Mr. Touchette then distributed and read a letter of resignation. He stated that he still feels he <br />was wronged and would like to see the problem fixed. He added that he is sorry if he <br />wronged staff and apologized for the message he left on Councilmember Gumphrey's cell <br />phone. <br />Cauncilmember Gumphrey explained that this does not have to do with the message left by <br />Mr. Touchette on his voice mail. He indicated his Issue is about how ERMU staff was <br />treated by Mr. Touchette. <br />Mayor I~linzing stated that everyone has lapses in judgment and that she wasn't looking for a <br />resignation, <br />Commissioner Touchette indicated it is in the Council's hands. <br />Councilmember Gumphrey stated he will support whatever decision the Council makes <br />Councilrnember Motin stated he will not accept Mr. Touchette's resignation. He believes <br />something is wrong in the ERMU policy that needs to be fixed. He noted that the issue <br />should be discussed with the Utility Commission. <br />Mayor I~linzing added that she won't accept iVfr. Touchette's resignation either. She stated <br />that he has been dedicated and loyal to the Energy City Commission, EDA, and YMCA <br />Board. She added that the apologies Mr. Touchette has offered should be accepted so this <br />item can move forward. She agreed that it appears there is a problem with the process at <br />ERMU. <br />Councilmember Westgaard explained he believes one doesn't always get a second chance <br />and Mr. Touchette should take responsibility for his actions. He added that there is a process <br />through the court system to resolve disputes such as this. He indicated that he appreciates <br />Mr. Touchette's passion but has a problem when it boils over into personal attacks against <br />staff and the city attoxney. He stated he is not interested in seeing Mar, Touchette resign but <br />would hke hina to take responsibility for his actions through a letter of apology to those <br />involved. <br />N.lr. Touchette explained that he was acting as a court ordered managing broker far the <br />property and the people who employ him were not interested in going to court over this <br />dispute because of the costs involved. He admitted he should have prevented the issue from <br />escalating to the level it did. <br />Councilmember Zerwas indicated that those serving the city should be held to a higher <br />standard. He stated that ~f Mr. Touchette is willing to submit a letter of apology he would be <br />honored to continue to serve alongside Mr. Touchette. <br />