AUBURN – The Auburn Board of Public Works extended the administrative leave for utility general manager Dave Hunter at Wednesday’s meeting, where there were public comments on his behalf. 

Third Ward Councilman Jeff Jeanneret responded to a newspaper report that Hunter was suspended after a conversation with board member Phil Shaw.  

Jeanneret: “If Dave Hunter is such a threat to the Board of Public Works and the community, when he was put on administrative leave, why did he still have access to the Board of Public Works facilities. He still had all the keys.” 

Board Chairman Chuck Knipe said Hunter has been removed from a lot of internal business while he is on administrative leave, but is still an employee of the BPW. 

 

Frank Critser  said changing the general manager will not solve Auburn utility's most pressing problems, including the working with the city  for housing growth and infiltration of contaminants to well water. 

Critser: “The way I’m looking at it, Auburn has been going backwards. We’re trying to grow, but I don’t think we know how to grow because we are too busy in-fighting all the time. Maybe we ought to start working together, quit blaming one guy all the time and start coming together as a community.” 

Critser: “Whether that guy is in this seat, or I’m in this seat, or one of you guys is in this seat, these same problems exist - people. And, if you don’t think they do, the only people you are fooling is yourselves.” 

 

Jeanneret said the public reaction he has heard suspects the suspension is linked to push back to a proposed change in the city’s wellhead protection ordinance to establish a permitting process for use of surface water on farmland around Auburn. 

Jeanneret: “Just remember you all voted yes on it and forwarded it to city council for final approval. Dave Hunter did not vote on this. You fellows did. Unfortunately, Dave, in my eyes, is a scapegoat on this issue.” 

Jane Andrew of Auburn also addressed the board in opposition to the changing the wellhead protection ordinance. She says farmers have been good stewards of the land and water for over 150 years and more regulations are not necessary.