FORWARD MOTIONS NOW WILL INCLUDE LAYOFFS- 23 Year Veteran & Deputy Fire Chief Axed

Lisa Gibbons

By Joseph Wiszowaty

SAUK VILLAGE|  A 23 year veteran employee of the Sauk Village Police Department and the Deputy Fire Chief were axed by the Hanks Administration today.

Police Chief Timothy Holevis was summoned to the office of Mayor David Hanks early Wednesday morning who apparently gave the order to place Lisa Gibbons on layoff status.  It was also learned today that another head would roll.  Deputy Fire Chief Rich Atwood, a longtime veteran fire fighter was also placed on “layoff” status today.

Gibbons worked for the Sauk Village Police Department as a dispatcher and began her career nearly 24 years ago.   Gibbons also underwent a battle with village officials which began in 2010 and resulted in Gibbons, Holevis and Sergeant Rebecca Sailsberry filing an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint and Federal Lawsuit which was settled.  Gibbons claimed then wrongful termination and discrimination as part of her claim and the Village settled the lawsuit. 

Former Deputy Fire Chief Rich Atwood

Gibbons served as the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police and performed many tasks in her role including serving as the Police Department’s Freedom of Information Officer. 

Hanks did not announce the “layoffs” at Tuesday night’s meeting.  The action was part of what has become common in this administration with “secret” meetings and “consensus” voting following an executive session in which the village’s labor relations attorney from Odelson and Sterk was present. 

Hanks warned residents Tuesday night that further “hard decisions and tough decisions” will need to be made following a question by long-time resident Judy Cast.  Cast blasted Hanks who admitted he is exploring the idea of get rid of more village employees in the Police Dispatch center.  Cast stated she is not in favor of a Referendum, this March, asking residents pay a surcharge “of up to Two Dollars $2.00 per month” for the purpose of “improving a 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System”.  “We have a state of the Art center.  Why the hell would you do that”?

Hanks admitted in responding to Cast “if someone came to me with a cost savings…(Hanks stumbled for the words)  It was part of the State of the Village address.  It’s the amount of money we can save” Hanks said.

Former Village Trustee Francine Anderson also blasted Hanks “how is this (contracting out the village’s dispatching) going to help” Anderson questioned.  “You gave $500,000 to the law firm (Odelson and Sterk).  I think they (Odelson and Sterk) are the beneficiary more than the residents.  The explanation you gave does not add up.  How is the increase going to save money?” Anderson said.

Both Gibbons and Atwood were told to pack their things and get out, this was their last day!  It is likely that the two will not be returning as Hanks is likely going to seek to abolish their positions in the upcoming budget cycle.  By noon the axe had swung but their absences will be felt for some time many village employees have anonymously stated.