Council tables termination motion

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA)
BYLINE: MICHAEL SCHMIDT

Guttenberg, IA

ICI probing incident The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation is looking into a case of missing cash from an evidence room at the Police Department, Iowa Department of Public Safety Spokeswoman Jessica Lown said. The cash was connected to a case that had already been resolved in court. Lown declined to disclose how much money went missing or name any suspects in the case.

Mayor Jim Solomon would not say if that had anything to do with the proposed action against Police Chief George Morteo. News You can use GUTTENBERG, Iowa - George Morteo's fate as Guttenberg police chief almost came down to a vote Friday afternoon. The Guttenberg City Council voted 5-0 to table the motion to terminate Morteo until a sec-ond special council meeting on Monday evening. The special meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the council chamber at Gut-tenberg City Hall. Assistant City Attorney James Garrett advised the council, at the recommendation of Morteo's attorney, to wait until the police chief returns next week from a business trip in Mexico.

"The mayor (Jim Solomon) is interested in avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, or the suggestion," said Garrett, who spoke on behalf of City Attorney Michael Schuster. Garrett said Schuster has a "professional relationship" with Morteo and decided to abstain from the proceedings. Morteo's attorney, who would not tell the TH her name, declined comment after the meeting. Solomon declined comment. A packed council chambers listened intently as Garrett explained the council's legal options. Since Morteo is an at-will employee, he has limited job security, Garrett said. Without an employment contract, veteran status or union affiliation, Morteo can be terminated without a public hearing. "Other people may disagree with that, but I feel confident in reaching that conclusion and would advise you accordingly," Garrett said. Solomon has the power to terminate Morteo, but only with the majority vote of the council, Garrett said. If Morteo is fired on Monday, he has the right for a post-termination hearing within 30 days, but not as recourse to take back the position. "He would have a chance to clear the air and have his say," Garrett said. Garrett said the council has the right to look at Morteo's personnel record before making a decision. "There are no records a City Council member isn't entitled to see," Garrett said. "You can take a look. "My point of view is that the less said in public, the better."

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