Controversy causes rift at city hall

City of Custer officials publicly acknowledge there is a rift within the council chambers and in the offices of city hall. For the time being, however, they are saying little about it.

Questions abound and rumors are swirling about problems at city hall, from resignations and lawsuits to problems with the Pamida TIF and possible expulsion of one of the council members. However, city attorney Chris Beesley said the city is not prepared to make much of a statement on the issues, because of possible ramifications any statements may have on potential legal proceedings.

City council meetings in Custer have continued to grow more contentious by the week in what appears to be a growing rift between councilperson Terry Reetz and city staff, in particular finance officer Chris Redden and community development director Rex Harris. Redden tendered her resignation at a recent meeting, although it has not been acted upon by the council, and an official reason for the resignation has not been given. Both Redden  and Harris declined to comment.

Both Beesley and Mayor Harold Stickney said they could not discuss Redden’s reason for resigning or a rumored lawsuit against Reetz for harassment, saying only grievances have been filed and will be addressed at a special executive session meeting of the council Oct. 24 at 9 a.m.

“That’s where those will be addressed,” Beesley said. “Some sort of action will more than likely be taken following that.”

Beesley said he could not say who filed the grievances, who they are against or how many there are.  He declined to discuss Reetz’s allegation that he was asked to leave the last meeting of the council, and he also said he could not discuss the rumored trouble with the Pamida TIF, also because of potential legal proceedings and contract negotiations. Rumors have swirled that the TIFâ��is in trouble because jobs for the construction of the project were not put out for bid by Pelstar, LLC, the company that built the facility.

Oct. 24 was chosen for the executive session because it was the first opportunity for the full council to be present to discuss the issues. Beesley said it’s too soon to know if the current council is broken beyond repair, and added that as soon as more information can be released regarding the issues, it will be made available to the public.

It’s not they don’t want to talk about it, he said, it’s that at this point, they can’t.

“Hopefully it will be resolved at the executive session, and resolved to everyone’s satisfaction,”â��he said.

Stickney said he knows the recent happenings are not healthy for the city.

“I’m sorry for all the turmoil that has arisen recently,” he said.â��“I wish it would not have happened.”