Medina Residents Pressure Council Over Police Chief Firing

Medina residents came out in force to the City Council meeting in support of former Police Chief Jeffrey Chen, in a meeting that also showed evidence of strife within the council.

Despite being dismissed by City Manager Donna Hanson earlier this year, Chen told the City Council that he would still work for the city.

Mary Odermat, a former Medina mayor and council member, was at the meeting along with scores of other residents in support of Chen and lamented the discord that she says predates the former police chief's firing.

“There’s a lot of rancor,” Odermat said.

The meeting was heavily attended, with residents raising green or red placards with “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” logos on them to signal their approval or disapproval at various points during the meeting.

Chen himself spoke first during the public comment period designated by the council, telling the council that he regretted allowing personality conflicts to “get out of control.”

“I love my job and I want it back," he said.

Chen said he has been encouraged by hundreds of citizens to seek reinstatement by the council, and no fewer than 20 residents spoke to the council before comments were suspended to allow time for other business before the council.

 “I know the council doesn’t have the authority to hire Jeffrey Chen, but you do have the authority to fire the city manager, and no one has mentioned this, but Donna Hanson can rehire him,” said resident Laura Weingartner, who appealed to Hanson to do so.

Others followed suit, including former Councilman Todd Nunn, who said he “just can’t figure out what’s going on”  with the council. Nunn asked the council to consider whether the city attorney is representing the interests of the council and the city.

“Your lawyers don’t have to live here later, but you do,” Nunn said.

Jim Girardot said the debacle has spurred him to challenge Councilman Mark Nelson for position No. 4.

“I’m running because I’ve never been so embarrassed for living in Medina,” Girardot said.

Just a couple of residents expressed support for the council’s decisions, such as Paul Major, who said after his own review of the documents, he supported the council’s position and he was ready to move on and get a new chief.

At the end of the first comment period, Councilwoman Janie Lee made a motion to continue the comment period, but the motion was voted down by the majority, with Councilwoman Katie Phelps absent.

“I feel we have a room full of citizens we have neglected,” Lee said, adding that she didn’t feel right about shutting it down.

Some members of the packed audience called for the council to be polled, but council chairman and Medina Mayor Bret Jordan did not respond to the public request.

Lee and Councilwoman Shawn Whitney described difficulties they have had in acquiring public documents that would allow them as council members to view supporting documents related to issues surrounding the dismissal of Chen last month.

The high tensions have appeared to take their toll on both the council and the police department. Acting Chief Dan Yourkoski said before the meeting that though he can’t comment on the specifics of the situation, “I can’t wait to be able to move forward and heal as a community.”

Currently, the city has a staff of nine police officers and two support staff, though two slots, including the police chief position, are currently vacant.

“It’s not a comfortable time for anyone at the department,” Yourkoski said.

Marianne Jones, attorney for Jeffrey Chen, said she saw the evening as a final opportunity for the council to reconsider taking action. If not, Chen may decide to give the city notice of his intent to file a lawsuit, Jones said.

Said Jones: “I’m just waiting to see if they just are not going to listen to the people.”

Read past coverage of this issue