A second ethics complaint brought against Rhinelander city council member Steve Sauer has been dropped, but another complaint against him and another member will be heard next month on another matter.
Council President George Kirby outlined a complaint against Sauer based on a social media exchange after the removal of the ice rink at Pioneer Park this summer. On the social media site there were hostile remarks directed at other members of the city council by other people on that site. While Sauer was responding that day, he appeared to allegedly agree with one poster who wanted to take harmful physical action. Kirby said there was no justification for Sauer's action...
"....your supporters don't know the council or what we do. Yet they feel it is necessary to post bullying comments and violent threats to the public...."
Another allegation that the council took action in secret was also refuted by Kirby, saying the action to approve the rink removal came from the recently fired City Administrator but not the council. But Kirby said while he wanted the matter to be heard, but felt it was in the best interest of the public to simply drop this matter....
"....I'm doing this to do a symbol of order to the city and city council. In closing, I don't think it takes a public hearing to penalize you, Steve, as appropriate action could be taken through the mayor's office..."
Sauer began a defense, but since the public hearing was canceled by Kirby, took no other defense.
A second complaint finds Sauer and council member Tom Gleason under investigation for allegedly releasing closed meeting information about the dismissal of former City Administrator Kristina Aschenbrenner. An ethics hearing on that matter was set for November's council meeting.
