Members of the Griswold City Council and Griswold Rescue Department have agreed enter into mediation to resolve their differences with regard to matters that led up to the resignation of former Rescue Captain Julie Kline and nine members of the squad.

During last night’s (Wednesday evening’s) Work Session, Griswold City Attorney David Wiederstein mentioned that a complaint had been filed by Kline with the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) following a closed session that was held Nov. 12th. Wiederstein said on behalf of the City, he gave IPIB the materials they requested with regard to that meeting, and that the Board is conducting an investigation into whether there was a violation of the Open Meetings Law. He could say nothing further on that topic.

Wiederstein said in response to numerous requests for there to be mediation, he reached out to an area mediator and asked Dan Bechtol with Southwest Iowa Mediation Services, in Atlantic, to put together a plan how he would envision the process moving forward. His proposal was submitted to Wiederstein Sunday evening, who in-turn submitted it to City Manager Lora Hansen. It was also received by some members of the Council.

Rescue Squad member representatives requested the formal mediation process, which involves both sides meeting separately with a mediator in private sessions to discuss relevant issues. Eventually, a joint session will be scheduled between both parties, the City and Rescue Department.