Town settles with former clerk

Local News

Tue, 2008-04-22 09:43

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Monday evening Rainy River Town Council held a special meeting to pass a bylaw (number 1499-08) "respecting Debora Bowman" the former Town (Clerk) Administrator.
Bowman was terminated by the Town of Rainy River at a special meeting of council January 30, 2006.
Bowman hired legal counsel and proceeded to sue the Town of Rainy River for wrongful dismissal. However, as the matter was before the courts neither party would talk about it and on Monday it was much the same story.
The bylaw
In bylaw 1499-08 council repealed bylaw 1461-06 (the one that officially terminated her) and instead "granted an authorized leave from January 30, 2006 to October 3, 2007."
As of that date, "The retirement of Debora Bowman from her employment and appointments as Municipal Administrator, Clerk Treasurer and Tax Collector and all other appointments, offices and employment with the Corporation shall be accepted."
The vote
Councillor Brent Anderson asked for a recorded vote on the motion to adopted the bylaw:
Mayor Deb Ewald-Yes
Councillor Gerry Marchuk-Yes
Councillor Marilyn McAlister-Yes
Councillor Gord Armstrong-Yes
Councillor Brent Anderson-No
After the meeting was over Councillor Brent Anderson had "No comment" on why he voted against the deal. "I stand by my vote." He did however add, "Now council can move ahead on the things that are most important."
Details confidential
Mayor Ewald said that council could not divulge any of the specific details other than what was in the bylaw. "It is all confidential. All I can say is that it has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties."
Relieved
All of council expressed their relief that the matter was over.
"I think it is a relief as we have so many plans and now we can move forward without it hanging over us," said McAlister.
"It is finally off the table," said Armstrong.
Councillor Marchuk echoed everyone's sentiment that they are relieved.
The cost?
When asked how much the legal costs were to the taxpayers of Rainy River, the Mayor said, "I do not have that figure off hand." Current Clerk Administrator Veldron Vogan said she would find out for the Record.

The Record was unable to reach Debora Bowman for comment on the matter Monday evening.

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Town settles with former clerk


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	Local News Ken's Korner Obituaries Births Photos Columns Editorial Events Letters Classifieds WWII Features Fort Frances Times Contact Info Poll Do you think President Elect Barack Obama will be able to turn things around in the US?: No it is too big of a mess. Yes he will. Search © 2008 Fort Frances Times Ltd. Design by Times Web Design	Home Town settles with former clerk Local News Tue, 2008-04-22 09:43 By Ken Johnston Editor Monday evening Rainy River Town Council held a special meeting to pass a bylaw (number 1499-08) "respecting Debora Bowman" the former Town (Clerk) Administrator. Bowman was terminated by the Town of Rainy River at a special meeting of council January 30, 2006. Bowman hired legal counsel and proceeded to sue the Town of Rainy River for wrongful dismissal. However, as the matter was before the courts neither party would talk about it and on Monday it was much the same story. The bylaw In bylaw 1499-08 council repealed bylaw 1461-06 (the one that officially terminated her) and instead "granted an authorized leave from January 30, 2006 to October 3, 2007." As of that date, "The retirement of Debora Bowman from her employment and appointments as Municipal Administrator, Clerk Treasurer and Tax Collector and all other appointments, offices and employment with the Corporation shall be accepted." The vote Councillor Brent Anderson asked for a recorded vote on the motion to adopted the bylaw: Mayor Deb Ewald-Yes Councillor Gerry Marchuk-Yes Councillor Marilyn McAlister-Yes Councillor Gord Armstrong-Yes Councillor Brent Anderson-No After the meeting was over Councillor Brent Anderson had "No comment" on why he voted against the deal. "I stand by my vote." He did however add, "Now council can move ahead on the things that are most important." Details confidential Mayor Ewald said that council could not divulge any of the specific details other than what was in the bylaw. "It is all confidential. All I can say is that it has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties." Relieved All of council expressed their relief that the matter was over. "I think it is a relief as we have so many plans and now we can move forward without it hanging over us," said McAlister. "It is finally off the table," said Armstrong. Councillor Marchuk echoed everyone's sentiment that they are relieved. The cost? When asked how much the legal costs were to the taxpayers of Rainy River, the Mayor said, "I do not have that figure off hand." Current Clerk Administrator Veldron Vogan said she would find out for the Record. The Record was unable to reach Debora Bowman for comment on the matter Monday evening.