2 resign in Gladstone

Talk about it

Two people resigned from their duties in Gladstone Monday and at least one City Council member is concerned about the vacancies.

Gwen Lantz had been auditor for 14 years and handed in her resignation during Monday night’s City Council meeting. When asked Wednesday, she had no comment as to why.

“You better be paying attention,” Lantz said about the city, but would not elaborate. “If they know me, they know what I’m talking about.”

Council member Denny Enger also resigned from the council. He has worked for the city in public works and maintenance for about a year. He had been appointed to fill a vacancy on the council about eight years ago, he said. However, according to North Dakota Century Code, a city employee cannot hold public office. He chose to keep the job.

“I guess I need the job worse than I need the board position,” he said. “I’m off the board now and no longer have an opinion. I just work for the city.”

According to code, the council must wait 15 days from Enger’s resignation (putting it at July 20) before doing anything with the vacancy. If 5 percent of the residents petition for a special election within that time, the city must hold one. If residents don’t request the election, council members can appoint someone to serve until the next election or hold a special election.

“I appreciate the trust people put in me,” Enger said, adding he was satisfied with the votes he got in the June election. “It’s nothing personal, but I had to give something up.”

Lantz said among duties of the auditor are: Accounting, special assessments, dog licensing, permits, deposits, mail and taking calls and answering questions regarding city business.

“It means we’re lost,” Councilman Darcy Fossum said Wednesday. “I honestly think Gwen knows more that goes on on a day-to-day basis in the city and (about the) infrastructure than anyone else, the mayor or the board.”

The city is looking for a new auditor.

“I think Gwen as the auditor was the heartbeat of Gladstone,” he said. “She is what kept this city going all these years.”

If residents put together a petition for an election for the council position, they can give it to any council member. The next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, unless the council calls a special meeting.

A message left with Mayor Kurt Martin was not immediately returned.

Tags: news, local, gladstone, enger, lantz, resign