Getzendanner Apologies for Cat License Incident

After one of the most heated council meetings in recent memory on Nov. 3, three councilmen have apologized for their words and actions prior to that meeting and the censure against one member has been unanimously rescinded.

Councilman Tom Getzendanner apologized Monday night for his behavior back in June on behalf of a constituent so she could avoid a $20 late fee.

The incident was brought to light only recently when Councilman Michael Vernotico made the information public in a statement to the media in which he called for Getzendanner's resignation.

Getzendanner was issued a letter of warning from City Solicitor Barry Osmun regarding his actions from June.

"I do sincerely regret and apologize for placing that staff member in a very uncomfortable position by asking about back dated cat licenses," Getzandanner said. "But I would also like to apologize to my fellow council members and the Summit residents at large for the controversy this incident has caused."

Mayor Jordan Glatt thanked Getzendanner for his apology and said he hopes council can move past the incident.

"I think everyone involved, including me, has learned a lot from what has transpired," he said. "We must work together and always remember that as elected officials we are held to the highest possible standard and that Summit deserves no less."

However, Glatt also called for council to rescind a that it passed against Vernotico at the Nov. 3 council meeting for his release of information regarding the allegations against Getzendanner that were discussed at a closed session meeting.

Council did vote unanimously to rescind the censure but only after Vernotico apologized as well to Getzendanner.

"I apologize for any comments that Mr. Getzendanner found offensive," he said.

Vernotico did however say he still believes he did nothing wrong because once an issue discussed in closed session has been resolved, it is not only allowed to be released to the public, it is required.

Two residents also spoke in favor of council rescinding the censure.

Phyllis Sank, a resident of Norwood Avenue, said one of her grandchildren asked why Vernotico was punished for telling the truth and Sank could not answer.

"We're in the process of righting a wrong," said Guy Haselmann, another resident who called for the censure to be rescinded. "That's really difficult sometimes."

In addition to the censure the Nov. 3 council meeting got very heated when James Baxley, a resident on Ashland Road, questioned Getzendanner about the June incident and several council members strongly voiced their opinions on both Getzendanner's actions and council's response.

Council President Dave Bomgaars added his own apology saying he was sorry if he did not allow for enough discussion of this matter at closed session meetings, as Councilman At-Large Steve Murphy commented was the case at that Nov. 3 meeting.

"Please know the council will work to be transparent informing of our residents of important issues," Bomgaars said. "I certainly hope that the council can now move forward to conduct the important business necessary to complete before the end of this year."

But Tom Graham, who came to the council meeting midway through after watching at home on television, said he does hope council begins to work together. But in the last year he has been paying attention to the council, he has become increasingly more concerned, especially in light of the most recent incident involving Getzendanner.

"It really upsets me," Graham said. "Not only did I find a crack in the integrity of Mr. Getzendanner, it showed a little crack in the integrity of this council."