John Hoel has resigned. In the council water report from Sept. 2 was the news, with city water operator John Strand reported that John Hoel had resigned and left employment on August 15.
Hoel provided a resignation letter at the time of leaving, but without giving a specific reason.
Hoel shared more when reached by phone for comment.
“Well there was kind of a lot involved,” he said. “When the administrator and council tried to fire me and there was no merit to their lies, I felt that I was treated unfairly and that’s why I left. Ultimately I found a better position with someone else, so that’s why I left.” Hoel clarified that the better position was not another municipality.
“No,” he said when asked if he had gone to another city.
Hoel came under city scrutiny earlier this summer, a meeting to potentially fire him held in June at the Stanley Community Center. The meeting which alleged issues with the water plant and supposed performance issues was contested by Hoel, drawing a large turnout and broad community response. A group entitled “I stand with John Hoel” took form on Facebook, with the meeting this summer resulting in a vote not to fire Hoel.