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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Another Valley City employee working as a contract employee for the city is retiring 30 days after the former police chief retired.

The Valley City Commission unanimously approved of a settlement and agreement concerning the retirement of Russell Myhre on December 27.

Under the agreement, Myhre will be paid $75,000 this year and another $75,000 in 2017 for a total of $150,000. The city will search for a replacement over the next 6 months. Myhre will continue to serve as the city of Valley City attorney until another is hired.

Mayor Dave Carlsrud believes the settlement was fair being the Myhre’s Law Firm suffered an economic set back during an investigation which focused on a hostile work environment in city hall that involved former mayor Bob Werkhoven. Myhre and three other city employees accused the former mayor created a hostile work environment.

Carlrud and other city officials talked about the settlement during a special city commission meeting on December 27.

City Administrator David Schelkoph talked about why the settlement will save the city money in the long run in this interview with reporter Steve Urness.

Russell Myhre said it was time to step aside and retire.

Myhre said will work to help the city find a replacement.

Earlier this year the city of Valley City reached an agreement with former City Police Chief Fred Thompson concerning his retirement. Thompson was paid $110,000 as part of his retirement agreement.

During an interview with reporter Steve Urness, Schelkoph talked about the first steps city officials took before the full commission decided to move in a different direction concerning the police chief position and why Schelkoph was the mediator during the negotiation process.

Below is the Severance & Release Agreement for Russell Myhre.

severance-and-release-agreement

Below is the Final Grievance Report issued by attorney Patricia Monson referenced by Mayor Carlsrud and City Administrator Schelkoph.

Final Grievance Report

Below is a response to the Final Grievance Report issued by former mayor Bob Werkhoven.

grievance-response