Hastings City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee will be featured on an upcoming In-Depth program. Topics for our discussion include settlement of a lawsuit filed by former employee Lisa Bauer, that was determined in April, but not made public until a citizen questioned the process earlier this month. Bauer was an employee of the city with a workspace located in the lower level of the building, which is the second oldest city hall in the state. Bauer was concerned with an allergic reaction to mold that had formed during flooding of the basement where paper products were kept. Although the materials were later removed, the mold persisted, continues the complaint. In questioning the air quality of the working spaces within City Hall. Mesko Lee gave the city’s position.
After a 6-month process, the City Council agreed in April of this year, to a financial award made with the stipulation that Bauer resign. The settlement which totaled $110,000 includes $44,000 paid to Bauer’s Attorney. The award was paid by the city’s insurance fund that is provided by the League of Minnesota Cities. The complaint stated that the 6-year employee had made several requests to be transferred to another part of the building, and also requested that air quality tests be performed including one for Radon gas. Tests for that concluded that levels of Radon were more than twice the EPA’s guidelines for action at that time. Older buildings often have a higher level of this naturally occurring element that seeps in thru the foundation. The City disputed those findings. Although further testing showed some improvement in air quality, the presence of several mold species were still noted in the last testing, but the City maintains they are at a level below that with which to be concerned. Listen for the complete program on an upcoming In-Depth. Each day new topics and guests present their stories and viewpoints. You can listen live at AM 1460 or online at kdwa.com.
