The Mayor and Council discussion section of the Mitchell City Council meeting on Monday devolved into a finger-pointing frenzy, with insults directed at how the council operates.
Ward Three Councilor Mike Bathke read a prepared statement questioning Councilors Jeff Smith and Kevin McCardle’s actions regarding a Chamber of Commerce meeting and a trip to Brookings with Corn Palace Director Dave Sietsema, as well as the council’s rejection of Mayor Jordan Hanson’s appointment of Bathke as city liaison to the MADC board.
“During liaison appointments, Councilman McCardle claimed the four or five individuals from the development corporation had contacted him about Mr. Smith’s removal from that committee,” Bathke told me. “That statement has been proven to be unsubstantiated, but in fact I found out Councilman McCardle himself instigated an outward call to a MADC board member with his concerns about me being on there.”
Smith responded to the trip to Brookings on April 15th. “I have not been to Brookings with Kevin McCardle,” Smith informed me. But Bathke instantly apologized, claiming he had been notified Smith was present. “Why not call me and ask me,” Smith replied.
When the meeting concluded, there appeared to be a distinct disagreement within the council.
