12-11-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – NOVEMBER 13, 2023 12 Councilmember Rousseau requested the Council consider a motion to remove Mark Kelliher from the PTRC. She apologized for not getting information on this item out to the Council sooner. She also apologized to Mr. Kelliher given the timing of this action. She explained serving on the PTRC should be a rewarding, volunteer opportunity for members of the community with a respectful and collaborative environment where all members can speak. With this in mind, she supported the Council removing Mr. Kelliher from the PTRC. She suggested staff be tasked with creating a code of conduct for Committee and Commission members. Councilmember Holden asked how this issue was addressed with Mr. Kelliher. Councilmember Rousseau stated she had not spoken to Mr. Kelliher. Rather, she asked the City Administrator to reach out to Mr. Kelliher. Councilmember Holden discussed a situation that occurred in the past on the PTRC and commented on how the situation was handled discretely by the Council in order to not publicly call this individual out. She questioned what the issue were with Mr. Kelliher. City Administrator Perrault indicated this was a sensitive subject. He recommended that if there was going to be a lengthy discussion on the matter that a closed meeting be scheduled. He urged the Council to be cautious if they were going to take a vote at this meeting. Councilmember Rousseau stated with committee members in tears, she would really like the Council to take action on this item. Councilmember Monson questioned if the letter had been made public. City Attorney Schmidt stated given the fact staff wasn’t clear if the Council was going to take action or lay this matter over, the letter has not been made public. She reported the Council was kind of in a gray area where Commission members are not subject to the personnel policy. However, if the person was to be removed, this matter could be considered personnel or equivalent to personnel data and staff was recommended the information not be made public. Councilmember Monson believed the allegation was serious and from the comments made by Mr. Kelliher this evening she would be supporting the recommendation from Councilmember Rousseau. Councilmember Fabel commented as an attorney he was always concerned about potential litigation. He stated he did not want this matter to become a matter of litigation. He explained he had some sympathy for Mr. Kelliher when he made comments regarding a public shaming. He asked if there was a sense of urgency to this matter or could this matter be held over for a closed session. Councilmember Rousseau discussed how the dynamic of the committee was beginning to change and the Chair was going to resign at the next meeting. Her preference would be to keep as many committee members as possible. She stated she could not speak to how long these members would hang on if the matter were delayed.