Story by Rodger Nichols for Gorge Country Media
The two key items on the agenda at the Goldendale City Council meeting last night were the appointment of a new public works director for the city and the second reading and passage of the city’s 2025 budget. The new public works director candidate, Doug Frantum, was expected to be easily appointed. Records show that he was in the favorable position of being endorsed by previous public works director Karl Enyeart, and by a statement of support signed by the whole public works crew. But what might easily have been an over-and-done-with item, turned into a larger discussion when Councilor Danielle Clevidence shared some concerns about terms not covered by the provisional contract. She noted that the contract said if the director was fired but it was not for cause, then the city would have to keep paying them until the end of the contract period:
“There’s nothing in there that says anything about results-driven. If they’re failing to do things you’re wanting them to do, or not doing a very good job at it, there’s nothing in there that says that’s for cause. Which means if we fire them just willy-nilly ’cause they’re NOT doing a very good job, then we literally have to pay them until this contract is ended.”
Councilor Loren Meagan also opposed the contract, but from a different perspective:
“It feels like there’s a real effort to put all the power in the mayor and staff and rubber-stamp things at Council meetings. Council members deserve a little more respect and a little more say in the process.”
Both were careful to say they were not opposed to Mr. Frantum personally, that their objections were to the way it was done.
Ultimately, the council approved him as the new public works director by an unusual 5 to 2 vote.
A much larger issue, the 2025 budget, sailed through unanimously with limited discussion.
And, finally, Councilor Steve Johnston had a suggestion that had everyone smiling:
“Our next meeting will be the last meeting of the year just prior to Christmas, and I suggest we all wear our favorite Christmas sweaters. (laughter out)”
That colorful meeting will be on December 16.
###