SPOKANE, Wash. – The City of Spokane Valley found councilmember Al Merkel violated the city’s after an employee reported his behavior as disrespectful and intimidating.
Al Merkel, , engaged in behavior that violated training and traditional workplace decorum according to an investigation done by the city.
The city advised Merkel they would conduct this investigation after a formal complaint came from a
“The investigation’s intent was to ensure a safe working environment for city staff,” said Spokane Valley City Manager John Hohman. “We followed standard procedure to ensure an independent, unbiased investigation into Councilmember Merkel’s interactions. This report validated many of the staff concerns.”
Although the formal complaint came from one employee, multiple staff members reported that Merkel made them feel “fearful and intimidated working at City Hall” resulting in interviewing over 20 employees.
City Manager Hohman limited Merkel’s interactions with other employees after the initial complaint of his behavior and moved Merkel’s office to a “more private part of the building.”
Merkel will still have access to all city resources and administration.