Keokuk, IA – Keokuk is still without a new parks director.
Just four city council members voted, last night, to hire Sixth Ward Alderman Gary Stepp at a starting salary of $38,500.
Five votes were needed, so the measure failed.
Fifth Ward Alderman Justin Tuck says he voted no over concerns as to how former City Administrator Odis Jones decided to offer the job to Stepp, while he was on the council.
First Ward Alderman Mike O'Connor chose to abstain from the vote, citing his concerns over the hiring process.
Two council members were absent.
Prior to the failed vote, the council accepted Stepp's resignation, effective Sunday.
Mayor Dave Gudgel plans to call a special meeting, as early as Wednesday, to have the council vote again on Stepp's hiring.
Stepp did not take any questions after the meeting.
Additional Information
* Stepp was originally offered the job more than six weeks ago.
* His first day was to be Monday, March 24.
* Stepp chaired the Streets Sub-Committee and was a key member of the Finance Sub-Committee.
* Third Ward Alderman Mike Baum and At Large Alderman Bill Olmsted were not at this week's meeting.