Bloomfield alderman steps down

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Bloomfield Board of Aldermen accepted the resignation of one of its members in a special meeting Monday night.

Steve Larsen, who was elected in April, submitted his resignation in writing, listing only "reasons apparent."

In a special meeting July 3 regarding fireworks within the city limits, a debate ensued and Mayor Scott Staggs briefly walked out, stating he was resigning. Alderman Donna Medlin made the motion to accept but did not receive a second.

Shortly after, Staggs returned and the debate continued. Larsen eventually asked to be excused and told the board he would be submitting his resignation.

In his letter, Larsen wished the mayor and council the best and enclosed a reimbursement check of $100 for his tenure on the council. He also stated that he had shredded his last check and asked that it be removed from city expenditures.

The board was unsure whether they could legally accept the check.

Shortly following, a debate began as to who should be appointed to serve in Larsen's absence until the next election.

Two potential candidates were present -- former Alderman Pat Wilson and Malden Police Officer/ Bloomfield dog catcher Jamie Schatz. Mayor Scott Staggs noted that former Alderman Missy Douglas had also expressed an interest in returning to the board, but was unable to attend the meeting.

Alderman Randy Supancic stated he felt Wilson should have the job since she is the board member Larsen was elected to replace.

"Pat [Wilson] has also been to every meeting since she left the council," he said. "She has been here and observed and been active with the council. She got the second most votes and I feel it's only the right thing to do to put her in."

Alderman Donna Medlin didn't agree.

After noting that she liked Wilson, she also stated that she questioned whether she had what it would take to make tough decisions.

"We are going to have to make some real hard decisions in the future regarding the budget and various departments," Medlin said. "I've heard her say before that she didn't want to serve on committees because she hated to look at a person and tell them no."

Wilson then chimed in stating that she asked to be removed from the police committee because she disagreed with who the council was hiring as a replacement police chief at the time. (That is not in reference to the newly-appointed Chief of Police, Tim Zych.)

Supancic then questioned whether Schatz could be allowed to serve because his fiance, Penny Walker, is a city employee.

Schatz noted that at this time he is not related to any city employee.

He also stated that if necessary he would abstain from votes involving Walker.

After the discussion, Medlin made a motion to appoint Schatz. Alderman Donna Deardorff seconded the motion.

It passed by a vote of 2-1, with the no vote coming from Supancic who was visibly upset with the outcome of the vote.

The board then adjourned for a short time to enter its regular meeting where Schatz was sworn-in to his new position.

Beth Bischof, a local resident, spoke up at the meeting regarding the incident.

"As a personal individual, I would like to thank Steve Larsen for the leadership and guidance he has given this community," Bischof said. "You need to rise above this pettiness and move into the 21st century."

Bischof thanked the board for all of their hard work, specifically with planning and zoning. She added that with other towns growing so quickly and Bloomfield seemingly at a standstill, she believes zoning is the answer to many of the city's problems.

She went on to encourage Schatz, Larsen's replacement, to speak with him.

"He is a very intelligent man with great knowledge and experience to share," Bischof said.

Schatz will serve in the position until the next municipal election in April 2013. At that time, the position will be elected for a one-year term.

If he chooses to continue serving, he will have to run for election at that time.