UPDATE: Maple Grove Pays $5K in Separation Agreement With Fire Chief
The city of Maple Grove has parted ways with Fire Chief Tim Bush.
The Maple Grove City Council authorized city staff members to enter into a separation agreement and release of legal claims with Bush on Monday, Oct. 7.
Per the agreement, Bush — who had expressed an interest in retiring — will be paid $5,000 upon his voluntary retirement.
This comes after the council met in a closed meeting on Sept. 5 to discuss “preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against” Bush.
According to a spokesperson for the city, those charges were “related to potential policy violations and performance expectations. The status of the charges and allegations, as that term is defined in Minn. Stat. Sec. 13.43, Subd. 2(a)(4) are not pending and are closed. “
It appears the city initially ended Bush’s employment effective Sept. 7 without a separation agreement.
That decision was rescinded and replaced by the voluntary retirement separation agreement dated Sept. 24.
Bush was not issued any final discipline.
He was placed on medical leave through October and into November. He will continue to use his sick time through Nov. 15, then will be placed on administrative leave until his retirement on Dec. 31.
The city of Maple Grove has parted ways with its Fire Chief Tim Bush. He’s pictured here speaking with the city council February 5, 2024.
Bush spent more than 15 years with the Maple Grove Fire Department and has been chief since 2017.
According to the city’s website, Bill Abderhalden is now serving as acting fire chief.
The council also authorized city staff members to begin recruiting a new fire chief on Monday.
