04-01-03 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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On February 13, 2003, Mr. Dillerud stated he received a written communication from Acting Public Works Supervisor Mike Bouthilet regarding an incident taking place that day involving the use of the computer at the public works building involving work assignments. Mr. Bouthilet had reported to him that Mr. Buckles was both disrespectful and had been insubordinate with respect to his response to Mike Bouthilet's direction. On March 4, 2003, Mr. Dillerud stated he received a written communication from Acting Public Works Supervisor Mike Bouthilet in respect to issues raised at the Public Works garage involving schooling that Mr. Buckles had requested and had been denied for good reasons. There were issues involving a tire and brakes on one of the city's trucks that had involved Buckles having a conversation which he was both disrespectful and insubordinate with direction given by Mike Bouthilet. Also On March 4, Mr. Dillerud said he was approached in his office by Mr. Buckles regarding the issues of schooling and was challenge by Mr. Buckles as to his decision on the timing of schooling he requested to be taken. Dillerud said he had asked Mr. Buckles' supervisor as to whether he thought it was in the best interest of the city for that schooling to be attended at this point of time and season, and he advised it was not. Based on that advice, Mr. Dillerud advised Mr. Buckles that he was not going to approve the schooling, but that he could take schooling later in the year. Dillerud said he was challenged in his decision and felt disrespected and Mike was insubordinate. On March 12, 2003, Mr. Dillerud said he received a written communication both from Mr. Buckles and Mr. Bouthilet in which the incident was described completely different. This issue involved a plow route that was checked by Mr. Bouthilet as to whether it was completed properly. Mr. Buckles took exception to the fact that his plow route was inspected by his supervisor. Dillerud added that this was what he would expect Mr. Bouthilet to do. Mr. Dillerud provided the observation he has made over the four years he has been with the City in that it appears that Mike Buckles has been supervised by Dan Olinger, Mike Bouthilet, and Ms. Kueffner and recently by him. He sees evidence of those incidences taking place with not one, but with four separate individuals. He finds it hard to believe that all four individuals have a problem with Mr. Buckles that is personal, but that he is not capable of supervision. Dillerud stated that four supervisors are enough. Alf Sivertson, Mike Buckles' attorney, stated that Buckles' administrative leave and city officials' upcoming attempt to terminate him underscores their attempt to silence him and prevent the public from knowing what's going on. Mr. Buckles has brought a whistle blower cause of action against the City which goes into great detail with respect to reports of illegalities and improprieties within the City of Lake Elmo. Mayor Hunt raised a point of order that the Council is here because of items raised by the Acting Administrator and suggested action. LAKE ELMO SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 27, 2003 2