Special city council meeting scheduled for April 30

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Keith Kost handed Rhinelander Mayor Chris Frederickson his resignation this morning, effective immediately – April 25, according to Frederickson, who added that Kost’s exit was unexpected.

City Clerk Val Foley emailed a special city council agenda notice to the media shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday. The only agenda item listed for the meeting Monday is to “discuss/approve resignation of interim city administrator.”

Frederickson said he didn’t know why Kost tendered his resignation.

“We had some discussions on the issues, which is between him and I, about the form and function of government.” Frederickson said.

Asked whether this adds stress to his job, the new mayor said, “Yeah, absolutely.”

Kost was first hired in February 2016 as a part-time interim administrator. Last November he and the Rhinelander City Council finalized a six-month contract extension through June 30. That contract could be terminated by either party with 60 days’ written notice.

The special council meeting is Monday, April 30 at 6 p.m., in council chambers.