The remaining two members of the King County Fire Commission District No. 43 had for a special meeting 10 a.m. today (Monday) at Station 80, 23775 S.E. 264th Street.
On the agenda was an item to appoint a new commissioner to fill Jeff Granlund’s position.
Granlund resigned at the Thursday board meeting when it was announced Maple Valley Life and Safety Fire Chief Tim Lemon’s contract would not be renewed.
The three commissioners, Brian McGee, Mike Scott and Granlund met in an executive session Thursday and following the session it was announced Lemon’s contract would not be renewed.
Granlund said by phone Sunday, “I resigned because I did not agree with the decision of the other two commissioners (Brian McGee and Mike Scott),” Granlund said. “This is not the way I wanted to go out after 25 years (in fire service). The reasons for not renewing his (Lemon’s) contract were not justified. Chief Lemon was wronged. When they made the announcement, I resigned.”
Lemon was placed on voluntary administrative leave Friday morning according to a press release sent out by the department and the board. Deputy Chief Brad Doerflinger was appointed as interim chief.
At the Monday special meeting McGee was present, but Scott had to participate by phone because he was on vacation.
The two members officially appointed Doerflinger as the interim chief and district secretary.
McGee and Scott did not appoint a commissioner to fill Granlund’s seat.
McGee stated the board will need to “seek counsel” before making a decision on an interim commissioner.
During the public comment period at the meeting, Warren Iverson, who is a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee, said, “I am really stunned by the action of the two commissioners.”
Iverson is also a member of the Greater Maple Valley Area Council. He said he joined the Citizens Advisory Committee after the past two fire levies failed to pass.
He stated, “Everyone is stunned and a lot of us feel duped. I had no inclination anything was about to happen.”
Following the special meeting Iverson said, “They (the fire district) will never pass a levy with these two on the board,” Iverson said.
Kathy Williams, also a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee said,”I am concerned with the credibility of the body I am in front of. I wish great success to this organization and I hope we can move in a positive direction.”
Stanette Marie Rose, who is a candidate for Maple Valley City Council Position No. 6 stated, “This situation feels like a funeral not a meeting…. I feel this was a serious breach of trust. The way this was handled will not help you reach your goals.”
Erin Weaver, a member of the advisory committee and a candidate for Maple Valley City Council Position No. 4, said, “when I heard the news the fire chief had been fired I was shocked…. I have no idea what the process was.”
McGee said during and after the meeting the commissioners would not be commenting beyond the press release sent Friday stating Lemon was placed on leave and Doerflinger would be interim chief.
McGee said the board’s attorney had advised the members not to make statements to the press.
The next scheduled board meeting is 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at Station 80.
