Monday’s Mayor and Council discussion portion of the Mitchell City Council meeting turned into a finger-pointing kerfuffle with jabs exchanged regarding how the council operates.
Ward Three Councilor Mike Bathke read a prepared statement questioning the action of Councilors Jeff Smith and Kevin McCardle regarding a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce as well as a trip to Brookings with Corn Palace Director Dave Sietsema, along 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 stated. “That statement has been proven to be unsubstantiated, but in fact I found out Councilman McCardle himself instigated an outward call to an MADC board member with his concerns about me being on there.”
Smith fired back regarding the trip to Brookings on April 15th. “I have not been to Brookings with Kevin McCardle,” said Smith. But Bathke quickly apologized saying he had been told Smith was there. “Why not call me ask me,” Smith retorted.
When the discussion finally ended there appeared to be a clear division within the council.