AFTER FIRING OF MARJI GEHR
DJ Gehrt, who retired from the city last July, will be offered a position as interim city administrator, as decided by a split vote among Platte City’s Board of Aldermen Tuesday night, March 19.
Alderman Steve Hoeger led much of the discussion and made the motion to offer Gehrt $60 per hour in a position that will be defined as a temporary city employee, officials said. Supporting Hoeger’s motion to offer the post to Gehrt were fellow aldermen Dan Laxson, John Higgins and Troy Miller. Voting no were Debbie Kirkpatrick and Vickie Atkins.
Jennifer Snider, city attorney, said she could have an agreement ready for Gehrt to review as early as today (Wednesday). Hoeger said in a recent conversation he had with Gehrt, the indication was that Gehrt could be available to start as early as Thursday of this week.
It was indicated the agreement with Gehrt would include a clause that any decision to suspend or terminate any employee must go through the personnel committee.
The city is in need of an interim after the recent firing of Marji Gehr, whose employment was terminated via unanimous vote of the board on Feb. 27. Joe Wellington, police chief, was placed in charge of day-to-day city functions and as the point of contact after Gehr’s dismissal.
As a backup plan in the event an agreement with DJ Gehrt is not reached, the board also passed a motion to use the consulting firm of SGR to find an interim city administrator. That motion passed unanimously.
Prior to the motion, Mayor Tony Paolillo indicated in conversations that he has had with around 15 employees that about half indicated they supported the idea of Gehrt coming in as an interim and about half opposed the idea.
Gehrt retired from the city last July after 12 years as administrator.
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