Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com
Published - Friday, March 28, 2008
Lewiston OKs administrator agreement
LEWISTON, Minn. — The Lewiston City Council approved a two-year contract for its often controversial city administrator Barb Hampel at its Wednesday meeting, securing her job against potential attempts by future council members to oust her.
Lewiston hired Hampel on March 26, 2007, after former city administrators Deb Spitzer and Barry Kramer resigned within a year of each other. The city did not sign a contract with Hampel, and she said it was due.
“It’s been a year today since I’ve been hired,” Hampel said. “It’s been talked about, but nothing happened.”
Council member Jack Kanz made the motion, with Richard Ahrens seconding and Pat Burns opposing. Council member Bruce Boynton was absent.
The city did not release a copy of the contract to the Winona Daily News. Hampel said she was waiting for a mark-free copy from city attorney Wayne Schauble. Schauble did not return messages left at his office Thursday.
Mayor Lee Rain said the contract is for April 1, 2008, to Dec. 31, 2010, with a base salary of $51,525 and includes a one-year severance package for termination.
Burns questioned the length of the contract, but Kanz said the agreement is similar to what most communities are using.
“One year is common, but you can do more,” Hampel said. “I contacted the League of Minnesota Cities, and they said you can’t pay over one year in severance pay.”
According to a copy of an initial employment agreement draft with Hampel, the city of Lewiston would be required to pay severance to her upon “involuntary separation.” That could mean if the council voids the contract, makes change in duties or authority or asks for a resignation.
It’s unknown if those provisions or others are in Hampel’s current contract.
Residents and several city employees clashed immediately with Hampel after she was hired. Hampel championed tightening the city’s expenses and regaining control over the city’s finances, which involved the council making tough cuts on police training and personnel budgets.
That led to a host of disagreements within and outside city chambers. Hampel was cited for vehicle tampering, and she filed restraining orders against two residents.
Residents soon formed the Concerned Citizens of Lewiston last year, who petitioned the council fire Hampel. The council rejected it.
“The people are shocked at what’s going on. Not necessarily surprised but shocked,” said Jon Nienow, co-chair of the Concerned Citizens.
Group members have said they plan to fight back by running for the two open council seats and the mayor’s job, which are up for election this year.
Contact reporter Amber Dulek at amber.dulek@lee.net or 507-453-3513.
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