New furor erupts in Eagle Mountain

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Eagle Mountain's chief of staff and public works director, Mike Wren, has been placed on two weeks' paid administrative leave, the city announced Thursday night.

The announcement came during an emergency special session, which was called by City Council members to "discuss staff concerns" and choose a new mayor pro-tem, according to a meeting agenda published by the city late Thursday afternoon.

Wren was appointed to the post by former mayor Brian Olsen, who recently resigned prior to being charged with several counts of misusing city funds.

City employees, who attended the meeting in full force, were upset that Eagle Mountain's temporary mayor, Linn Strouse, placed Wren on administrative leave Wednesday night. At least 41 employees signed a petition calling for Strouse's dismissal as mayor pro-tem and the appointment of Councilwoman Heather Jackson in her place.

"I appreciate Mayor Strouse and her willingness to serve," said Ifo Pili, the city's management analyst. "But from a standpoint of necessity, and for the common interest of the community, we believe that a change is necessary."

Strouse did not attend the meeting.

In a written statement released to the media following the meeting, Strouse said, "I look forward to the opportunity to discuss personnel matters at hand with the rest of the council in the appropriate forum, which is a closed executive session."

City Council members said they were not informed of Strouse's decision before it was made and said they did not know the reason for the action other than "personnel issues."

Because Strouse did not attend the meeting, City Council members said they did not have the "full quorum" needed to take action on naming a new mayor pro-tem.

Wren also did not attend the meeting and was not available for comment.

Gordon Burt, Eagle Mountain's finance director, and Chris Trusty, city engineer, will fill Wren's duties in his absence.

About 70 residents, developers and city employees attended the meeting. Many came to show their support for Wren. Some wore T-shirts that said, "EM staff supports Mike."

Three employees delivered statements on behalf of the entire Eagle Mountain city staff. Among other questions asked of City Council members was why Wren's "demotion" had taken place.

A big question is why this decision could not be postponed, said Peter Spencer, Eagle Mountain's planning director. "The decision could have happened a month from now, or four months from now. If it's necessary, it's necessary, but why was this decision made now when the city is going through such turmoil and such lack of leadership?"

City Council members said they hope to have more information on Strouse's decision soon.

"We've been through nine mayors in 10 years in Eagle Mountain," Jackson said. "I don't know why. I only hope that we get that knight in shining armor to keep us moving the way we need to be moving."

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