Council Member Lynette Brannan and Adam Oliver agreed with Bertram’s motion to censure the mayor after a lengthy discussion, while Council Member Rick Hendrickson and the mayor voted, “naye”.

 

Hendrickson’s “naye” was not because he didn’t think the code of conduct was violated but because he thought the council was making too quick a step in the process of censuring without discussing the issue at a future workshop.

 

Mayor Kleis disagreed wholeheartedly with what Bertram and the others were accusing him of and said he never badgered Malo.

 

According to the harassment complaint, Kleis had issued an email to Malo with questions in regards to the lack of receipts and invoices for merchandise that is “given away”. Kleis then made a request for a physical audit of the pro shop for the last five years, insinuating Malo and his staff had been “stealing” from the store.

 

Kleis also questioned Malo’s performance as golf professional and was then reminded it is unprofessional and unethical  to perform a performance review in public and subjects the city to a lot of risk.

 

Bertram — who serves on the personnel committee as well as Brannan — said the complaint came to the committee recently that identified Kleis as violating the city’s code of conduct. Bertram said warnings had been issued to Kleis about his actions, yet he never “took ownership” for what he said and did that threatened the city employee.

 

The members of the personnel committee determined the mayor’s outburst Nov. 19 constituted a verbal attack, harassment and reprisal based upon Malo’s complaint.

 

Bertram and City Attorney Scott Lepak met with Kleis prior to the 5 p.m. council meeting in which Kleis was informed a censureship was on the table. Bertram had hoped the mayor would “own up” to what he said and apologize but because Kleis hadn’t during her meeting with Lepak, Bertram decided to bring forth the censureship.

 

Oliver, who sat in silence while Bertram held the mayor accountable and Kleis denied, finally spoke up on the matter and said he kept quiet during the arguments because he was waiting for Kleis to admit to his wrongdoing and apologize to Malo and council. Since Kleis said he didn’t think he did anything wrong, Oliver voted for the censureship.

 

Kleis said he had been made aware of the policy violation but said he was convinced he had done nothing wrong. He conceded he would apologize to Malo had he in fact been present at Tuesday’s meeting.

 

The penalty of censureship for Kleis hereby disqualifies him from serving on either the golf or personnel committees until such a time as the city council passes a resolution authorizing such service.

 

“Your position as mayor has got to be held to a high standard,” said Bertram. “We’ve warned you of some of your harsh language and conduct and feel this is the right action to take since you are not taking ownership for your behavior.”

 

“All I was doing was asking a lot of questions and trying to get answers,” said Kleis. “I need answers so I can make better decisions for the residents of Becker.”