HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-24 Public Comment - G. Gilpin - Submit ethics complaint and do NOT provide severance to MihelichFrom:Greg & Renée Gilpin
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Submit ethics complaint and do NOT provide severance to Mihelich
Date:Tuesday, March 5, 2024 4:21:41 PM
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I am writing to provide input regarding Jeff Mihelich and the decisions to 1) not file an ethics
complaint and 2) offer a severance package. Initially, I commended the commission's decisionto pursue an ethics complaint and withhold a severance package. However, I am confused and
shocked to read the reverse may occur.
We mustn't reward unethical behavior, nor should we condone disparagement of our city andits residents. Mr. Mihelich's actions, including disparaging a city employee, the city
commission, and disrespecting the residents of Bozeman, are inexcusable. At a minimum, thecommission should file an ethics complaint. This action also signals to Jeff Mihelich that he
will not be provided with a severance package. Separately, I ask the commission to notprovide Jeff a severance package. He is a public servant and paid six times what the typical
City of Bozeman resident earns in a year (average income per capita in Bozeman is $45,037).
Lastly, use a one-year interim city manager when replacing him. This is what largeorganizations do (such as MSU with executive positions). We have learned that
hasty replacements don't yield quality results, e.g., replacing Rob Watson. We are fortunate tohave an exceptional city commission, as well as dedicated individuals like Assistant City
Manager Chuck Winn and the entire City of Bozeman staff.
Let us uphold our standards of integrity and accountability by ensuring that Mr. Mihelichfaces consequences for his actions, including addressing an ethics complaint and no severance.
Sincerely, Greg Gilpin
3229 Caterpillar StBozeman