July 18, 2023 |
Photo – Seth “Turtle” Johnson – Bigfoot99 file photo
Rawlins has hired an interim city attorney in the wake of the resignation of Gwendolyn Wade in early July.
Wade tendered her initial letter of resignation on May 16. A May 30th addendum from Wade stated that her final date of employment would be July 4, 2023.
At the July 5th city council meeting, Councilman Chris Weisenburg motioned to hire Seth Johnson of the Slow and Steady Law Office in Saratoga as the new city attorney. Councilwoman Tonya Lewman seconded Weisenburg’s motion. Following Mayor Terry Weickum’s call for a vote, the motion passed unanimously.
During discussion, none of the council members, nor Mayor Weickum, stated that Johnson was only being hired as an interim city attorney.
In a phone call to Bigfoot 99 on July 18, Rawlins Public Information Officer Mira Miller said Johnson was only hired as an interim city attorney. Miller said the search continues for Wade’s permanent replacement. Miller added that Johnson is only one of the attorneys who may perform work for the city until a permanent replacement is hired.
The former city attorney, Wade, said that she has accepted an opportunity that she has been working toward during her entire legal career.
Attorney Johnson was included in the lengthy executive session that took up the bulk of a special city council meeting held on July 12. The agenda for last Wednesday’s meeting simply said the council would enter into executive session pursuant to Wyoming state statute 16-4-405, specifically subsections two and nine. Section two of the Wyoming law governing executive sessions states that the governing body may exclude the public when considering the appointment or disciplining of an employee. Section nine simply states that the council may go into executive session to discuss anything considered classified or confidential by law.
At the July 12th special meeting, Councilwoman Wells motioned for the council to go into executive session.
After being behind closed doors for nearly two hours, the council emerged. Councilman Weisenburg motioned to have the mayor make an offer of employment. Councilman Bruce Seilaff seconded. Mayor Weickum conducted a verbal vote. The motion passed, but the details are unknown.
City officials have not disclosed who was offered employment following the closed-door meeting, or if the discussion involved Johnson’s law firm.
