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City administrator details timeline in response to IAFF no‑confidence vote; council requests executive session follow‑up
Summary
City Administrator Jillian Dukstein presented a chronological memorandum documenting administration’s immediate response to IAFF Local 5279’s vote of no confidence in the fire chief and deputy. Dukstein said administration met with union leadership, set measurable corrective actions, and is continuing an investigation; union leaders said they remain willing to work with the city.
City Administrator Jillian Dukstein read a detailed administrative memorandum describing how administration responded after learning on July 23, 2026, that IAFF Local 5279 intended to submit a vote of no confidence in Fire Chief Joe Placke and Deputy Chief Lenny.
Dukstein said she made herself available while on vacation, participated in lengthy telephone calls with union leaders and scheduled a three‑hour meeting on July 28 with local union leadership and human resources. She said administration created measurable benchmarks, directed immediate actions and scheduled follow‑up steps while also committing to meet with Chief Placke to hear his perspective.
Dukstein said she requested documentation from union leadership to support allegations and that administration had not received sufficient documentation prior to the vote being transmitted. She asked for the opportunity to present more personnel details in executive session and emphasized the need for due process, while also acknowledging the seriousness of the union’s concerns.
Chris Hines, speaking later during public remarks on behalf of the union, said the local appreciates being heard and is prepared to share supporting documentation and work with administration. Dukstein recommended an executive session and said some matters remain under investigation and are not appropriate for public discussion at this time.
