By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter
Two senior members of Williston city government resigned in May, one to spend more time with family and the other for reasons unknown.
City Attorney Fred Koberlein, who served the city for 10 years, resigned on May 11, giving the city 60 days of notice, while Deputy City Manager and Utilities Director C.J. Zimoski, a 34-year employee, resigned effective immediately on May 13 giving no explanation for why he was leaving his job.
The city council was asked at Tuesday’s city council meeting why Zimoski left his job after 34 years and the only thing offered was that he just resigned.
After the meeting, a reporter asked City Manager Jackie Gorman why Zimoski left and whether he had been forced to leave.
“That’s his story to tell,” Gorman responded. “He just tendered his resignation. I’ll leave it at that.”
Did he give any reasons? She was asked.
“No, effective immediately,” she said. “I’m going to leave it at that. I really don’t have a comment on it.”
Zimoski took over the dual role utilities director and deputy city manager about eight months ago after serving for many years as the city’s utilities director. He was earning $75,000 annually doing both jobs. Gorman took the job of city manager at the same time Zimoski was appointed deputy city manager.
When Gorman was hired, the city council decided to hire a backup for her to avoid what happened when former City Manager Scott Lippmann resigned last year and there was no one to replace him.
Gorman said she isn’t looking to hire a deputy city manager at this time.
“We’re going to,” she said.
Koberlein Leaving
In his letter of resignation, Koberlein made sure the city council knew his time with the city had been largely positive.
“The experiences with the many city council members, administration, and mayors have been a blessing. So many projects have been accomplished. I constantly use the City as an example of bipartisan and civility,” he wrote. “Part of reaching this decision has been the desire to allow the City enough time to find a replacement prior to the upcoming budgeting workshops and we will work tirelessly to help with the procurement process.”
Koberlein emailed the mayor and the entire council a request for qualifications (RFQ) to allow them to advertise for a new city attorney. Gorman volunteered to distribute the RFQ to the appropriate online destinations and print publications to attract applicants.
Koberlein has never been a controversial attorney. His dry wit made him a favorite with many on the council. City Council President Debra Jones said it was difficult to see Koberlein leave his post.
“We had a rash of resignations. I hate to see him go,” Jones said Tuesday.
She later clarified her statement. She said there were only two resignations but she made it sound otherwise by saying there has been a rash of resignations.
Koberlein said he has married into a family that is giving him two sons and he wants to spend more time with them and help with their homework.
“Essentially I handle these types of meetings 9 times a month and there’s approximately 16 school nights a month. I have two new boys I will be marrying into. I’d like to spend more nights at home doing homework. I owe that to their mother,” Koberlein said.
Jones reminded the council that Koberlein gave the city 60 days to find his replacement. Koberlein said he would be happy to extend his work with the city under the current agreement if the city needs more time.
“I’ve been through four city managers with you all, two mayors and countless elected and appointed officials,” he said, echoing his letter. “I still use the city of Williston to various clients as an example of civility and bipartisanship. You all always seem to have been prepared. You’ve just been a great model of civility, excluding the 2011 year.”
Jones said she agreed with his assessment.
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City of Wiliston Regular Meeting May 18, 2021; Posted May 20, 2021
