Trimont officials agree to play fair, move on
Jenn Brookens — Staff WriterTRIMONT - Following a heated meeting last month, Trimont's council gathering Monday centered on parliamentary procedures, explanations and an attempt to resolve a personal conflict between Mayor Thomas Eckmann and Councilman Thomas Hage.
However, that wound was picked at one more time when the council shared an unsigned letter that leveled complaints against Hage, specifically about him discussing city business outside the council.
"I want to know who, if they're sitting here today," Hage said. "I've worked hard to get where I'm at, and that is something I do not do."
While Hage called on several people there to deny the letter's claim, Councilwoman Karen Koeder served as the voice of reason.
"The bottom line is there are a number of questions we need to look at stemming from last month," she said. "How we talk to each other ... There needs to be a level of respect. We also need to be clear about our responsibilities, our responsibilities as council members and as mayor."
Council members noted that Monday's meeting had used more parliamentary procedure, and some items had more explanations and discussion for the council.
Hage also apologized to the mayor for the heated argument at last month's meeting, but everyone agreed it was time to move on.
"If we have misunderstandings, we have an opportunity as a council to sort them out for ourselves," Koeder said. "As a council, we can talk these things through ... How we respect and talk to each other is key to how we operate as a council."
In other business, the council received a report from Trimont police regarding El Rodeo restaurant and lounge. So far this year, the police have responded to nine police calls regarding the lounge.
Most of the complaints have been in regard to trash and litter mornings after the lounge has been open until 2 a.m.
The council noted limiting the bar's hours would not eliminate the littering problem, but the council suggested looking into establishing an ordinance for dealing with numerous police calls and disturbances.
