Responding to a conflict-of-interest controversy, the Oakridge City Council voted Thursday evening to consider terminating the contractor serving as its fire chief.
The council voted 5-1 to meet with city attorneys in a nonpublic session to discuss potentially ending its contract with Michael Hansen. One councilor, Paul Forcum, made an unsuccessful motion to immediately terminate the contract.
Councilors said it appears, under the contract’s language, the city can end it “for convenience” with a simple 30 day’s notice to Hansen.
The council also agreed to a 30-day moratorium on any public discussions about about City Administrator Louis Gomez and his employment and job performance for the city.
Gomez and Oakridge Human Resources Director Susie LaDuke have come under scrutiny for their unusual and potentially conflict-laden private business relationship with Hansen. Both Gomez and LaDuke did paid work for Hansen’s business, while also overseeing his contract work for Oakridge.