BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS MEDIATION SETTLEMENT WITH FORMER FIRE CHIEF
Potential mediation with former Brenham Fire Chief Ricky Boeker will be discussed by the Brenham City Council on Thursday.
The council will meet in executive session to consult with the city attorney regarding the claims and legal issues associated with Boeker’s sudden termination as fire chief on April 7, 2021. After executive session, the council will possibly authorize the city manager to approve a mediation settlement.
The council rejected a settlement offer from Boeker during its meeting on April 21, 2021.
The city originally offered to pay Boeker through June 23, 2021 and pay 100 percent of his medical insurance through the year, 50 percent in 2022 and 25 percent in 2023 and 2024 if he retired April 15, 2021. Boeker rejected the offer, saying the city should pay him a year’s salary plus retirement in addition to the medical insurance.
The city countered by offering to pay Boeker through August 18, 2021 if he retired April 15th, but he never responded to the offer. The proposal expired on April 6, 2021, and he was fired the next day.
In other action Thursday, the council will hold a public hearing before potentially adopting the 2022 Thoroughfare Plan, supplementing the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan acts as a comprehensive wish list of major public improvements and development over the next 20 years, and is based on city research and public feedback. The Brenham Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended adoption of the plan at its meeting on January 24th.
Also on Thursday, the council will:
- Hold a work session to discuss applications received from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for possible funding through the Competitive Housing Tax Credit program.
- Consider authorizing the issuance and sale of the City of Brenham’s 2022 certificates of obligation. The proceeds from the sale, not to exceed $10 million, will be used for construction and upgrades to city facilities and infrastructure.
- Consider an amendment to the professional services agreement with Hodde & Hodde Land Surveying, Inc. related to the construction of a 6-inch gas main loop along the west side of FM 577 from East Alamo Street to Brown Street.
- Take up an amendment to the professional services agreement with Hodde & Hodde Land Surveying, Inc. related to the city’s raw water intake system.
- Consider a bid for the Ralston Creek lift station pumps.
- Consult with the city attorney in executive session regarding City of Brenham v. WTG Gas Marketing, Inc.; Cause No. 37573; 335th Judicial District Court, Washington County.
The council will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.
Texas is an at will state for ALL employers, and that is the reason he cannot win a court case. As a matter of honor, he should get only what was originally offered, period. For council to do anything more would be extremely irresponsible and an egregious precedent for any future terminations.