Furiously scribbling on a notepad, suspended City Administrator Mitch Berg sat before four members of the Bayport City Council as they reviewed allegations that he had created a hostile working environment at City Hall.
Near him, Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Nodes stood at a podium, naming what she described as violations of the city's conduct policy.
Berg had told city staff that council members couldn't make decisions, Nodes said. Because of statements he made, she said, people who worked for him were unclear who was in charge of city policy and wondered whether he cared about his job as city administrator.
"Disappointing behavior for someone in this role," replied Mayor Susan St. Ores.
Considering that Berg's resignation would take place in two days, Nodes said, she recommended that the City Council close the investigation without further disciplinary action.
Council members voted accordingly and said little more. Berg left the room without pleading his case.
Afterward, Berg said city officials never gave him a clear explanation for his suspension and didn't reveal who made the allegations against him. He said he enjoyed working with residents of Bayport, a city of about 3,500 residents, for the last three years.
"I'm really as frustrated as anybody, but I understand it's kind of the nature of politics in the community," he said. "I feel this is the best staff I ever worked with. They were very professional. With the council, I would leave that to your imagination."
