Pubdate: Fri, 4 Sep 98
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Contact:  (515) 286-2511
Website: http://www.dmregister.com/
Author: Estela Villanueva
Section: Front Page

2 CLIVE OFFICIALS RESIGN POSTS

The City And Police Were Investigating Allegations That Three People
Smoked Marijuana At A Party.

Following a monthlong investigation by the city of Clive into an
alleged drug incident at a party, a city councilman and a zoning
commissioner resigned Thursday from those panels as well as from the
volunteer fire department.

Clive Mayor Robert Brownell made the announcement at the end of
Thursday's regular council meeting: City Councilman John Schiefer and
Zoning Commissioner David Ennen had resigned, citing personal reasons.
Neither admitted any wrongdoing.

The two weren't at the council meeting, and neither returned phone
calls to their homes afterward.

Schiefer and Ennen had been under investigation by City Manager Dennis
Henderson and the Police Department since Aug. 3 for allegations
stemming from a July 25 going-away party for the parting fire chief.

According to a summary of an Iowa State Patrol report, Trooper D.L.
Knutson was attending the going-away party and saw three people
smoking what he believed to be marijuana.  Knutson then left the party
and filed a report with the Iowa Department of Public Safety.  A copy
was later given to the Police Department.

The party was held at Ennen's home and Schiefer has said he was there.
No drugs were found, city officials have said.

Not Enough Evidence

City officials say the State Patrol's account differs from what the
trooper told them.  Henderson said Knutson told him he saw a small,
silver marijuana pipe at the party, but thought he didn't have enough
evidence for criminal charges.

Schiefer had been on the council, for nearly 12 years and served on
the fire department for 25 years, including service as the fire chief
in the 1980s.  Ennen was a member of the planning and zoning
commission and had been on the fire department for more than a decade.

The council will decide later whether to appoint someone to fill
Schiefer's seat.  A year is left in his term.  Another person also
will need to be appointed to Ennen's seat.

Henderson said he had completed his investigation when the
resignations were submitted.

"It was a wrap, and we determined what our actions were going to be. 
That has become a moot issue because of the resignations," he said.

He declined to say what action would have been taken, saying it was a
personnel matter.

City officials also would not name the third person accused in the
incident, saying it also was a personnel issue.  They noted that the
person has been released from the department because of certification
issues, however.

Officials Complimented

Brownell complimented Schiefer and Ennen on their courage and
forthrightness in submitting their resignations in light of the
investigation.

"We're saddened by their resignations and the circumstances
surrounding them, and I think our constituents would have a degree of
understanding and compassion for people in times of need like this and
join me in wishing them the best of luck for the future," he said.

Henderson also said the resignations were unfortunate.

"I certainly consider this a loss for the city," Henderson
said.

He said Schiefer is one of the best minds in town, and has raised
thoughtful questions about issue.  Ennen, he said, was a valued member
of the planning and zoning commission, and his opinion was sought on
many city matters.

Caught Off-guard

Other council members were caught off-guard by the
announcement.

"I'm still in shock," Councilman Kip Headley said after the
meeting.

Councilwoman Elaine Barry was puzzled, unsure of what to make of the
news.

"I don't know the circumstances of why they resigned," Barry said,
noting their contributions to the community.

Henderson said material from his investigation will be forwarded to
the city's prosecutor for review.  Clive police had investigated the
incident, but haven't filed criminal charges because of lack of evidence.

Despite the developments, Henderson said the incident shouldn't taint
the fire department.

"I don't want anyone and everyone branding the Clive Fire Department
in this situation.  We continue to have an excellent fire department,"
he said.

Reporter Estela Villanueva can be reached at (515) 284-8360  ---
Checked-by: Patrick Henry