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City Council Minutes Page G . <br />February 8, 20I0 <br />Councilinember Gurnphrey 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 />w~.•onged staff and apologized for the message 11e left on Councilmernber Gumphfey's cell <br />phone. <br />Councilme~nber Gumphr•ey 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 ever~~one 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 />Councilrnember Gumphrey stated lae will support wl~atever decision the Council makes. <br />Councilrne:mber 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~lin~ing added that she won't accept Nh•. Touclaette's resignation either. Sloe stated <br />that he has been dedicated and loyal to the Energy City Commission, EDA, and YMCA <br />Board. She added that dae 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 />Council.member westgaard explained he believes one doesn't always get a second chance <br />and Mr. Touchette should tale 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 attorney. He stated he is not interested in seeing Mr. Touchette resign but <br />would like him to take .responsibility for his actions through a letter of apology to those <br />involved. <br />Mr. Touchette explained that he was acting as a court ordered managing broker for the <br />property and the people who employ laim we~•e not interested in going to court over this <br />dispute because of the costs involved. He admitted he should have prevented the issue fforn <br />escalating to the level it did. <br />Councilmember Zerwas inclicated that those serving the city should be held to a higher <br />standard. He stated that if Ivy, Touchette is willing to submit a letter of apology he would be <br />honored to continue to serve alongside Mr. Touchette. <br />