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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend December 16, 2005 Council makes no decision on Dyal By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune Thursday’s executive session to consider discipline of Medford City Manager Mike Dyal and litigation pertaining to health-care benefits was continued to the noon Dec. 29 council meeting. "No decision was made with respect to the above items," said Mayor Gary Wheeler during the evening portion of Thursday’s City Council meeting. "Any decision on the subject items will be made in open meeting." The council met in executive session after its noon meeting Thursday. The council voted Dec. 1 to meet in the closed session to discuss health insurance for retirees and alleged illegal action by the city manager pertaining to retiree health insurance coverage, issues brought forth by retired city employees. Advertisement Former city attorney Ron Doyle said the Dyal violated state law and city policy when he denied retirees the option to participate in the same health insurance plan employees have. Doyle called for Dyal’s resignation or termination. While the previous mayor, Lindsay Berryman, also has called for Dyal’s resignation, the mayor preceding Berryman spoke highly of him. "I was mayor for 12 years," Jerry Lausmann said Thursday during a telephone interview. "I’ve never known him to be dishonest or anything." He said Dyal has always been even-handed. "I have the greatest admiration for him," he said. Following the evening meeting Wheeler did not say whether there would be any action against the city manager. He said first the city attorney needs to talk with the liability insurance attorney. "We really need to wait until after John (Huttl) meets with Robert Franz," said Wheeler. "All of this will come out in an open session." Councilman Bob Strosser expressed similar sentiments. "It’s obviously an issue that at some point the public needs to hear as a matter of course," he said. "It just cannot be done at this time." Earlier, during the noon portion of Thursday’s regular meeting, Chuck Steinberg, retired Medford police officer, spoke on behalf of several retirees about health insurance. Steinberg has spoken on this topic at several council meetings. He and others have requested the opportunity to buy the same health insurance plan which current employees have. He said the Public Employee Retirement System insurance, while available to retirees, is cost prohibitive. He said in spite of council members saying it was not possible for the city to provide retirees the same plan employees have, it is possible. "I think the city council needs to look at where they’re getting their information," he said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail Council makes no decision on Dyal ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement