Nokomis council holds closed session on wastewater plant foreman; disciplinary action proposed

The City Council of the City of Nokomis went into executive session at 7:18 P.M. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, to discuss "appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body," citing 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Commissioner Arkebauer made the motion to enter closed session, which Commissioner O’Malley seconded; the motion carried with Arkebauer, O’Malley and Mayor Goldsmith voting yes and Commissioners Morris and Glenn absent.

During the closed discussion, the minutes record concerns about the wastewater treatment plant foreman’s performance. The minutes state that "Discussion was held on the wastewater treatment plant foreman, and the lack of maintenance and daily upkeep," and that "Commissioner Arkebauer stated that he would like to move forward with disciplinary action." The minutes say Arkebauer plans to contact the union and that council discussed asking the foreman and operator to provide more detailed monthly or weekly reports. The executive session ended at 7:41 P.M.; a subsequent motion to exit the session also carried 3-0 with two absent commissioners.

The agenda item is recorded in the public executive session minutes; the document does not report any final personnel decision, disciplinary finding, or formal sanction. The minutes identify City Clerk Rachel Cassidy and Attorney Chris Sherer as present during the session. The council’s reference to state statute 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) indicates personnel matters were the official reason for closing the meeting. The minutes do not specify dates for any follow-up, the contents of Arkebauer’s maintenance list, or whether the union has yet been contacted.