The Town Council met for their regular meeting on Feb. 2 at Town Hall with all council members in attendance with the exception of Mayor Peter Pier. Pro Tem Mayor, councilwoman Pat Smith led the meeting.

During a special meeting that was held on Jan. 29 the council, Mayor Pete Pier and Director of Public Works Denis Peterson, had met to discuss the terms of the resignation of Peterson. After a brief discussion the council accepted Peterson’s resignation and was followed by Pier’s announcement that he would no longer be in the position of Mayor of the Town of Lusk. The Lusk Herald contacted Pier via phone with questions in regards to these matters. Pier stated at this time he has no comment.

During the Town Council meeting over 40 citizens had attended the meeting to voice their concerns of the events that had taken place during the special meeting that was held on Jan. 29.

Smith addressed the crowd asking that there be one speaker on behalf of the public to voice the concerns of the public. Lisa Mellott addressed the council and read from a statement that was prepared concerning the issues of Peterson’s resignation and the alleged severance pay that was awarded to Peterson for leaving his position as Director of Public Works. Mellott had also stated that she was not at the meeting as a councilman’s wife nor was she attending in an official capacity of County Coroner, but was there as a concerned private citizen.

Mellott asked that the council to clarify what kind of meeting was held on Jan. 29, whether it was announced as a ‘Special Meeting’ or an ‘Emergency Meeting’. She had read from the Wyoming Statues and from the Town of Lusk ordinances, which gave both descriptions of a ‘Special Meeting’ and ‘Emergency Meeting’. Mellott also asked that each of the council members address the public with what their vote was and why they had voted as to whether or not Peterson would be afforded severance pay for leaving his position. Mellott had also read the terms of Peterson’s employee contract, which state that if Peterson left his position that there would not be a severance provided by the town.

It was concluded by Town Attorney Dennis Meier that it was indeed a ‘Special Meeting’ as the media, The Lusk Herald, was notified and did attend the meeting.

Councilman Dennis Green was the first to speak. He had voted yes to the matter of severance pay and his reason was that the town had a problem that started with a minute problem that was blown out of proportion from a minor disagreement. “I did what I thought would cost a little money to solve the problem in the best interest of the town,” Green said. “I think it’s a shame that it happened.”

Smith said that in an attempt to continue to have the town running I did what I thought was the best for the town. “We don’t always agree, but I wanted the best thing for the town so I voted yes,” Smith said.

Councilman Dave Hamaker said that he had voted no to the action of severance pay to Peterson.

Councilman Jon Mellott said that he had voted no as well. “I was elected by the people and as I had told Denis Peterson [during the special meeting] although I liked him and thought he had done a good job that I had to vote no, because the people that had elected me, to keep their best interest at hand and this was a time when it was,” Mellott said.



For the complete article see the 02-03-2010 issue.

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