Utilities Commission awaits investigation

WILLMAR -- Members of the Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission had thought they would be discussing and acting during a special meeting at 11:45 a.m. today on recommendations by the law firm conducting an investigation into possible misconduct by General Manager Bruce Gomm.

However, the report has been delayed because the lawyer from the St. Cloud law firm conducting the investigation had a trial two weeks ago. Dyan Ebert of the Quinlivan law firm of St. Cloud told the Tribune she would resume work on the investigation after the trial.

Dave Baker, president of the Municipal Utilities Commission, said Thursday the commission had been pushing the law firm to complete the investigation by now and he said it does appear the report will not be ready today.

The special meeting was announced last week.

"We are disappointed the report isn't completed yet by now,'' he said. "We need to make sure the timing is important to make sure they get everything in there.''

What's likely to happen, he said, is the commission will extend Gomm's administrative leave. Gomm was first placed on a 30-day paid administrative leave on Dec. 12. The leave was extended by 30 days on Jan. 5, and Baker said the commission needed to extend Gomm's leave before Feb. 12.