Manager's release questioned

More than 70 residents attended the Feb. 13 Village of Logan Council meeting to inquire about the dismissal of Trevor Thompson as manager and requested transparency from the council on such issues.

“It is very humbling to have the support of the community,” Thompson said. “The people, like me, want to see the truth come out.”

Thompson was relieved of duties as the Village Manager following an executive session held on Jan. 30 during a special council meeting.

The council declined to comment on the reason for Thompson’s removal, citing limited personnel matters.

Thompson said he is unclear on the reason for his termination, declining to elabora3te further.

“It just doesn’t make any sense; something is wrong when the village goes through two managers in under a year,” said Eddie Corley, Logan resident.

Corley was one of the residents to address the council during the public comment portion of the meeting.

“The council interviewed, hired Thompson, (and) they should give him or anyone they hire the opportunity to prove themselves,” Corley said. “I just don’t think Thompson has been working long enough for them to determine he was failing at the job.”

Corley said he understands the council can not legally discuss with the public the reason for the firing. He said it’s hard to find a reason why Thompson was released in such a short time.

“It would have to be something pretty big,” Corley said. “There are a lot of rumors going around, with no real answers.”

Residents sought transparency on other matters, including how the village council runs public meetings.

“The council goes through their packets approving items like the budget, previous meeting minutes and we never see any of it,” said Lupe Lacy, resident.

Lacy said she attends the meetings regularly and will request access to the information being approved by the council. She said many times the public does not know if what is being voted on is approved or turned down.

“Hopefully these most recent issues will make more people attend the meetings,” Lacy said.

Corley said he feels the village council is not very transparent.

“They don’t share much with the public,” Corley said, “(and) it’s also hard for people who work to attend the meeting when it’s held at 4:30.”

Residents are welcomed, encouraged to attend the council meetings, said Russell Feerer, interim mayor.

“It was nice to see so many residents turn out for the meeting, I wish there was a turnout like this every time,” Ferrer said.

Information including meeting minutes and project bids are available to the public upon request, but there is a cost for the printing, said Rosalie Rachor, city clerk and interim manager.

Rachor said information concerning personnel or executive sessions are not available.

Lacy said two petitions, signed by residents, were presented to the council during the meeting. She said the two were spearheaded by residents:

n To form a coalition to establish the circumstances surrounding the termination of Trevor Thompson

n Request the Village Council not hire a new manager until after the March 6 municipal election. Two council seats and the mayor position are on the ballot.