Goedken expected to be tabbed Decorah CM
Humboldt City Administrator Travis Goedken talks during a meeting with U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra earlier this spring. Goedken is expected to be offered the job of Decorah City Manager when their city council meets late Monday afternoon.
By KENT THOMPSON
It has been reported that the Decorah City Council will be officially acting on the hiring of a new city manager when it meets on Monday, July 19, at 5:45 p.m.
The Decorah News web site reports that an offer is expected to be made to Humboldt City Administrator Travis Goedken at that time.
Contacted Friday, Decorah’s acting City Manager and City Clerk Wanda Hemesath could not comment officially on their council’s anticipated action, but said she would be willing to comment after the Monday night council meeting.
Rumors around Humboldt on Thursday reported that Goedken was the selection. Contacted late Thursday afternoon, Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl could not offer a comment on Goedken’s status, other than to say according to the city’s contract with the city administrator, there is a 60-day opt out clause allowed for either party.
An announcement is expected to be made at the Humboldt Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. A letter of resignation from Goedken is part of the communications the Council is expected to hear.
In the letter dated July 16, Goedken says his resignation from the city position will be effective Thursday, Sept. 9. "Humboldt has been a great community for me professionally and for my family. We have seen several great projects come to fruition over the past several years, that many other communities dream to accomplish. We have forged great relationships that will continue beyond my tenure. Please know that the decision to leave was a difficult one. I want to thank all of the elected officials, the staff, and the residents that make Humboldt such an amazing community. I wish you all the best and hope for continued successes for Humboldt," Goedken said in the letter.
According to the Council's agenda, discussion and possible action on a city administrator replacement search is on the docket.
Goedken began his duties for the city of Humboldt on Jan. 11, 2016. He is a graduate of Western Dubuque High School, receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and his master’s in public administration from Drake University. He came to Humboldt from Cherryvale, KS, and also had city government experience with Tiffin in eastern Iowa.
Decorah is the county seat of Winneshiek County and has a population of 8,127, about twice the size of Humboldt. Look for more details in the July 22 edition of the Humboldt Independent.
