Council approves six-month COBRA health coverage for Heather Peiker contingent on resignation

Milbank — The Milbank City Council voted 6-0 on Aug. 27, 2025, to approve six months of COBRA health insurance coverage for Heather Peiker, contingent on her written resignation and a signed settlement agreement and release. The action followed an executive session the council held earlier in the special meeting.

According to the public minutes, “A motion was made and seconded to approve six-month COBRA health insurance coverage for Heather Peiker, contingent upon her written resignation and signed settlement agreement and release form.” The motion was recorded as carrying 6-0; the minutes do not identify the motion's mover or seconder and do not record individual council votes by name.

The minutes note the council convened an executive session on personnel matters prior to the motion; the record released publicly does not disclose the personnel discussion, consistent with the council's classification of the item. No dollar amount for the settlement or premium responsibility was specified in the public minutes. The minutes state the motion was contingent on Peiker providing a written resignation and executing a settlement and release.

The meeting was presided over by Mayor Pat Raffety. The council list in the minutes names Josh Karels, Ryan Gruba, Mindy Rogers and Roger Briggs present in person, and Craig Weinberg and John Weyh participating via Zoom. City staff listed in the minutes included Steve Pendergrass, Amanda Anderson and Attorney Mark Reedstrom.