Tensions Rise Over Osseo City Staff Departures
Tensions are rising in the council chambers at Osseo City Hall as the city searches for new staff members.
Several city staff members have resigned from the Osseo in recent months.
Former City Administrator Riley Grams parted ways with the city in May.
Meanwhile, the city clerk and community coordinator have also resigned.
Police Chief Shane Mikkelson is currently serving as interim city administrator.
He recently told the council that city hall was operating in “crisis mode” due to the recent staff departures.
With the November election just months away, Osseo asked the League of Minnesota Cities to provide a list of former city administrators who could act as an temporary city clerk.
Several city staff members have resigned from the city of Osseo in recent months.
During the July 8 city council meeting, Council Member Juliana Hultstrom asked the council to consider hiring one of these former administrators to replace Mikkelson as interim administrator.
She told the council that Mikkelson hasn’t been answering her phone calls and text messages.
She also called the environment at city hall “toxic.”
“It’s gotten to a point that if a staff member says they aren’t comfortable in the environment, there’s ramifications,” she said. “I’ve had people come to my home in tears. And the environment is toxic right now. Two employees left.”
Mikkelson said he was willing to step away from the administrator role if that was the will of the council.
“The insinuation that there’s staff leaving because of me, I think is irresponsible,” he said. “And I am defending myself tonight … what I don’t deserve, is undercutting me with staff, calling me at all hours of the day and night, and having discussions behind my back. I don’t approve. That is not O.K.”
In a 3-1 vote, the council rejected Hulstrom’s motion to hire a new interim administrator.
Council Member John Hall said he believes the city needs to move ahead with hiring a permanent administrator.
