City of Hannibal to investigate city clerk

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal City Council agreed late Tuesday night that an investigation into the practices of city clerk Angelica “Angel” Zerbonia is needed.

Zerbonia has been on paid administrative leave “for about a month,” according to Mayor James Hark.

City attorney James Lemon said a “full investigation” will be needed and will be conducted by “an independent third party.” There is not yet any timetable or framework for the start or length of such an investigation.

The decision to move forward with such an inquiry came following a closed session after the regular City Council meeting adjourned shortly before 9 p.m. Council members and other involved parties finally emerged from the closed-door discussion close to 11 p.m.

Zerbonia was not in attendance Tuesday night. Deputy city clerk Melissa Cogdal served in her place. Hark said Zerbonia has been employed by the city “for about 20 years.”

The late-night closed session followed a two-hour council meeting that was dominated by speakers voicing their opinions on the Zerbonia situation that has steadily brewed to a boil in recent weeks.

What may have triggered the current firestorm is being traced to a July email from Central Services Director Andy Dorian. The July 7 email was sent to several other department heads, including Zerbonia, expressing concerns about Zerbonia. 

Dorian resigned (in November) but later withdrew that resignation and remained with the City. He said his resignation was not due to any sort of hostile work environment, noting (at the time) his reason for leaving the city was because he felt he had a better job opportunity.

Most of the more than a dozen residents who spoke at the council meeting were calling for more transparency in the city government, feeling information about the email in question had been purposely withheld from public consumption.

There were also verbal jousts between councilmen.

“This place is a circus,” Third Ward councilman Stephan Franke said.

“Yes, you are,” 2nd Ward councilman Mike Dobson shot back.

Edie Graupman, a former city employee, said there is “a huge morale issue within city government.”

“There is a hostile work environment,” she said, citing numerous instances that had affected her.

Lemon repeatedly warned — and even interrupted — speakers regarding personal attacks and to avoid a “bully pulpit.” He warned against “hearsay testimony” and “going into the weeds.”

“Everyone is entitled to due process, there will be no attacks on individual employees,” said Lemon, who also emphasized reports that have emerged will be “appropriately investigated.”

Resident Kristy Trevathan spoke at length about what she felt was “negative energy” emerging from City Hall that is centered around this developing situation.

“We need continuity in city government,” Trevathan said.

William Terry of Hannibal felt it should be a requirement of council to curtail any kind of problem work environment within city government.

“This is the time to improve the city’s accountability, integrity and transparency,”  resident Lucas Judlowe said.

Resident Clark Cruikshank called the ongoing situation “embarrassing for Hannibal.”