We’ve got to quit losing our experience. We got to start getting back to what’s going on here.”

Don Goettl

The City of Stanley came under intense public scrutiny during Monday night’s council meeting, where officials considered the potential termination of city water department employees John Hoel and Jeriame Czubakowski. The meeting, held at the Stanley Community Center to accommodate a large, anticipated turnout, followed the recent dismissal of another city employee, Terry Oemig.
John Hoel, who has served the city for over eight years reportedly without any documented performance issues, quickly became the center of a passionate community response. In the days leading up to the meeting, residents organized a Facebook group titled “I Stand with John Hoel,” which gathered over 600 members. Supporters placed signs in their yards and circulated an online petition.
Attendance at the June 2 meeting approached 200, with residents packing the space to show support for both Hoel and Czubakowski. Some carried signs and stood during public comment to voice their frustrations and defend the two employees.
Among the speakers were Joe Karlen, Don Goettl, and Bonnie Schneider, who read a letter on behalf of a retired state water system operator. They recounted personal experiences with Hoel and Czubakowski, praising their dedication and value to the city.
Goettl, the former Head of the Water Department, who served the city for over 30 years, also spoke in strong defense of the two. “We’ve got to quit losing our experience. We got to start getting back to what’s going on here,” he said, referring to the recent resignations within the water department. “For some odd reason, we’re losing employees.”
Karlen described Hoel as the definition of a public servant, stating, “All John Hoel has done is to be a good loyal servant to his community even while facing the wrath of administration that criticizes him for the work that he does in an area that they themselves have no experience in.” He ended his remarks with a direct plea to the council: “City officials, do the right thing here. Do the job you were voted to do.”
Applause followed nearly every speaker, reflecting a unified tone of support for Hoel and Czubakowski. Residents emphasized Hoel’s consistent reliability, professionalism, and his above-and-beyond efforts to improve the city.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Hoel addressed the Council himself, expressing his frustration over the lack of due process.
“I want to be clear. I never received any formal communication, oral or written, informing me of alleged wrongdoing or performance deficiency prior to being placed on administrative leave and now facing termination,” he said. “The public allegations made against me in connection with this meeting are false and entirely without basis. They have caused significant damage to my professional reputation and have been deeply distressing.”
Hoel concluded with a call for resolution: “My preference is to resolve this situation and continue to serve the city with assurance of due process and fair treatment as outlined in the handbook.” His remarks received strong applause from the audience.
Jeriame Czubakowski addressed the Council during the public comment period to respond directly to the allegations against him. “I’ve done everything that I’ve been told,” he stated. Czubakowski also offered an apology for being late to work on a few occasions.
City Administrator Nicole Pilgrim read a list of allegations against Czubakowski, including being late or leaving work early without notifying supervisors, a lack of communication and problem-solving, not taking the job seriously, requesting training but not attending, and even falsifying test results. Pilgrim claimed, “Mainly putting himself first.”
Alderperson Laurie Foster challenged the handling of Czubakowski’s performance concerns, pointing out that he had only been employed since October and asking who was responsible for his supervision and training. Pilgrim identified Jon Strand, engineer at CBS2 as his supervisor, but Strand clarified, “My job with the city is to make sure safe water is sent to the residents and that’s my primary role... personnel matters... that really wasn’t under my jurisdiction.”
Foster pressed further, asking who was ensuring Czubakowski was properly trained. Pilgrim responded, “He works directly with John Hoel.” Foster noted, “John is not a supervisor.”
Later, Alderperson Jason Meyer asked Czubakowski directly if he had falsified test results. “Yes, I did. Under the command of Jon,” Czubakowski admitted, referring to Strand.
Following discussion, the Council voted against Czubakowski’s termination, allowing him to return to work Tuesday morning with the condition that he receive further training and guidance. Alderperson Ben Wald cast the lone dissenting vote.
Allegations presented against Hoel included a lack of motivation, hostility with coworkers, and doing “the least amount of work possible.” Meyer raised concerns about a reported lapse in chlorination at the northwest water plant.
Meyer asked if it was true that the facility went without chlorination for seven days. Hoel responded, “It had chlorination, but it was very low.” He explained that he and Czubakowski investigated and discovered clogged injection points. “I tested for bacteria every week as required by the DNR,” he added. Meyer acknowledged, “I didn’t know the whole story—that you had actually been testing and ensuring that the water did not have bacteria.”
In the end, the Council voted unanimously against Hoel’s termination, allowing him to return to work Tuesday.
“There needs to be better communication, but yeah, I want him back to work tomorrow,” Foster said.
As the meeting concluded, emotions ran high. “Thanks for doing your job,” community supporters told Council members as they offered handshakes and words of appreciation. Others turned to Hoel and Czubakowski, offering hugs and congratulations.