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Goodrich council documents written warning for DPW supervisor after repaving communication lapse
Summary
Council considered a recommended two-day suspension for the DPW supervisor over a failure to inform the street administrator about repaving corrections but instead approved a written/verbal disciplinary action to be placed in the employee's file.
The Village of Goodrich Council voted on July 8, 2024 to document a written disciplinary action for the Department of Public Works (DPW) supervisor after officials described a failure to inform the street administrator about additional repaving work carried out on Hower Ridge condominium streets.
Village leadership told council that the DPW supervisor had been informed that both the street administrator and the DPW supervisor were to oversee the paving project. After contractor work required corrective repaving on June 6, the street administrator said they were not informed when the contractor returned to complete additional repairs. The village administrator recommended a two-day suspension for the supervisor.
Several council members pushed back on the proposed suspension, citing the need for documented corrective-action procedures and the employee handbook. One councilor with HR experience recommended a progressive documentation process (warning, then suspension if repeated) and urged that the employee handbook be distributed to all staff and council and that acknowledgements be filed.
After debate, councilors approved a motion to issue a documented written/verbal disciplinary action (to be placed in the employee’s personnel file) and declined to impose the recommended suspension. A council member moved for the written warning; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
Council also discussed governance clarity, asking where Charter language defines reporting and discipline authority, and asked for clearer written procedures so that future corrective actions are documented and enforceable. The council directed that the employee handbook be provided to employees and that a signed acknowledgement be kept on file.
No additional disciplinary steps were taken at the July 8 meeting. The written warning is expected to be recorded in the DPW supervisor's personnel file, and council indicated they will adopt clearer documentation procedures going forward.
