Brent Trout knows how to deal with people who don’t play by his rules.
MASON CITY – An elderly Mason City woman told NIT this morning that during a testy exchange via phone, City Administrator Brent Trout told the woman to file a lawsuit against the city.
The woman, Sheryl Gerk, who has run for city council, was speaking to Trout on the phone this morning about city business, and she said Trout became angry and said “you have all these issues and all these complaints, so what you need to do is file a lawsuit and take us to court … so I’m no longer going to talk to you in any capacity due to possible litigation.”
Gerk was upset after the call, and told NIT that Trout “was talking really fast” and “angry”.
Trout is already in hot water with the law, as a looming court battle is shaping up between himself and his bosses at city hall versus Lionel Foster, an elderly African American man who claims Trout and the city bullied him out of his job. Just last week, Trout was in court, warming a chair as he was questioned by lawyers about his role in that alleged debacle. Eric Bookmeyer, Travis Hickey, Scott Tornquist, Jean Marinos, John Lee, Janet Solberg, Alex Kuhn and other cronies of the mayor have also been in to take questions in that litigation.
NIT fired an email off to Trout this morning, asking if it is wise to dare citizens to file more lawsuits against the city of Mason City as the Foster suit ratchets up and others have paraded through the courts in recent years, including one where a Mason City pastor was paid about $90,000.
Trout responded later Monday:
Brent Trout, City AdministratorI have been working with Sheryl for about three months on many problems. I have met with her personally by appointment on 3 different times for about an hour each time. I have also met with her at least 10 times and likely more for anywhere from 5 to 15 minute time frames on these issues. She does not agree with my position regarding these issues and therefore we are at an impasse. I regret that we have been unable to resolve these issues and felt that it is time to move on to other issues. I simply stated that if she stills feels that she has not had a satisfactory resolution that her next option is to file a lawsuit. I do not want a lawsuit by any means for the City of Mason City and upon myself and hope that it does not come to that. These issues have been handled by staff review and re-review on multiple occasions. In my opinion they have been handled correctly. I even personally talked to 4 different department directors or staff again today after her call to insure that her concerns were heard by them and ensure that our actions were appropriate. So even after the call I still followed up on her issues as is my responsibility.
Brent Trout, City Administrator
City of Mason City
On this one, I have to go with City Hall. It is Sheryl Gerk for God’s Sakes. She could test the patience of Job. There is no reasoning with her as we all know. And the way she embellishes things, I am not going to second guess Brent Trout on his response. She needs help and has for years. She used to go round and round with the police dept. when my dad was Chief. She has been driving the City nuts for over 35 years. She has attacked me and came close to hitting me once-no sympathy here
Anonymous
9 years ago
I’m shocked! A professionally written article that still reports problems at city hall without name calling or becoming unruly. Props to NIT!
Grizz
9 years ago
@LVS I don’t mean to diss your opinion and I am not an apologist for the gang at City Hall. I’m just saying if you feel so strongly do something about it other than just offering outlandish solutions. Matt ran for office, what have you done?
Cheryl Gerk is a trouble maker who needs her meds better regulated. Hey LVS if you want our elected officials removed from office put your money where your mouth is and get the ball rolling instead of just griping about them.
@Griz-It is big mouth’s like you that enable these jerks. They have proven over and over that they have no respect for anyone who is not part of their elitist group. By your comments I would say you are one of them. If voted against them and supported everyone running against them. If you do not like my opinion that is tough sh##. I don’t like yours either.
Watchdog
9 years ago
Talking fast? Maybe he has been snorting something, who knows.
Ms. Gerk is still a Mason City Taxpayer and deserves respect no matter how much a city official disagrees with her.
Shame on you Mr. Grump.
Philosophus
9 years ago
This man is clearly reaching for his wallet or his gun. Matt thinks he was reaching for his “piece”. That is kinda scary. A journalist aiming his camera? That is reason to pull out your Hi-Point .22? Joking of course…what a crappy cheap weapon.
I thought immediate termination was the result if a city employee had a firearm on city property? I realize the police are exempt from this because of their job description. Does this mean any city employee that has a legal permit to carry a firearm can??? If NOT then this needs to be addressed.
Mother Nature
9 years ago
With all the the public monkey business and power struggles he has been involved in you would think that by now he would have learned to keep his mouth shut and no interact more humility and less defensively and aggressively.
Mother, it’s time for you to clean up your punctuation and grammar. I’ve seen you posting on NIT for sometime as a “somewhat intellectual”. Either you’re tipsy or your ignorant. I’d like you to step ahead and DEFINE YOURSELF. If you’re smart…than show it. Right now, I’m not sure. GRAY/ GREY AREA.
(sheepishly) okay I lied. I’m on my Chromebook. I had to confess because I failed to account for the your / you’re not contraction…a tell-tale sign of TACO BELL MEMBERSHIP. Will NIT ever forgive me? Please…I’m grovelling for another chance.
Humility is a good thing every now and then Phil. Thanks for sharing your experiences relative to the problems one can encounter with spell and grammar check
Philosophus
9 years ago
I encountered Ms. Gerk during the Jordan Johnson axe murder trial. She is intelligent, but she keeps stepping closer to your personal space as she makes her points, and in short time, I found myself wanting to get away. Ms. Gerk needs to refine her mannerisms. Plus, it would help for her to see a stylist. But all in all, I think she still has potential. Ms. Gerk, do you concur? Remember, the ability for self-reflection and introspection is our greatest power.
@Philly-I doubt very much that she will change at this time in her life. I have watched her and can see where she might get a little irritating from time to time, but that is because she is intelligent and is trying to make a point. Does that sound at all familiar?
Yes but do you recall body odor when talking with me? I try to bathe before attending court. 🙂 Sorry Cheryl, I’m just trying to build a better U, EWE, YOU, U, YEW.
I probably walked pass you during the night of the debates at the Prime N Wine. I’m tall like Alex Kuhn and a lot uglier. In fact, I’ve been thought of as the uglier version of Brad Garret. 🙂 🙁
@Philly-I have seen you from time to time just like I have seen Ms. Gerk. I have just never met you person to person. I also saw you at a Clear Lake Council meeting last year.
That was my stunt double automated android. Talking to the council of Clear Lake is a colossal waste of time, but I needed to maintain a presence. I employed the services of the android for those final appearances. They keep it cool in those chambers because they don’t want their wax to start melting.
@Philly-For a android it was sure lifelike. acted just like you too.
Faye
9 years ago
Ms. Gerk is a very intelligent lady. She does her homework and knows what she is talking about. Unfortunatly she does not know when to shut up. I imagine she can be very flustrating.
Just My Opinion
9 years ago
Sat behind Trout and his girlfriend (or new wife?) at the Pyrotechnics show Friday night. Sickening. Was ready to tell them to get a room.
Friendly suggestion: All citizens should have their cameras on at all times and the email address northiowatoday@gmail.com programmed into their phones or computers to forward any and all news tips in to our office.
retread
9 years ago
I am not sure I can believe Gerks’ side of this story….she appears to be a wack job!
I am familiar with the situation. I know for a fact that Ms. Gerk regularly calls city hall and attends council meetings. I can also say that the cast at city hall has lost patience with Ms. Gerk. Knowing first-hand that Mr. Trout becomes aggressive when he is angered or frustrated, I find it extremely plausible that he made these remarks. Mr. Trout and his bosses were emailed to explain the situation. I expect a full reply from city hall, and will update at that time.
LVS
9 years ago
This just proves that the current administration has no respect for the citizens of this city, especially the elderly who pay their salary. They should be impeached and Trout should be fired. They would treat a country club member that way would they?
Remaining as impartial as possible, the answer is no, Trout would never talk to Robin Anderson or Erin Peterson or Larry Elwood or some other “important” person that way. He would certainly never speak to Eric the Fuhrer in that fashion. He knows who he can bully and who he can’t. Sometimes, he finds out the hard way where his boundaries are.
@Matt-Bully’s generally get theirs in the end. I will be looking forward to Trout and his boss getting theirs soon. Trout would never try something like that unless he knew he had Bookies support.
On this one, I have to go with City Hall. It is Sheryl Gerk for God’s Sakes. She could test the patience of Job. There is no reasoning with her as we all know. And the way she embellishes things, I am not going to second guess Brent Trout on his response. She needs help and has for years. She used to go round and round with the police dept. when my dad was Chief. She has been driving the City nuts for over 35 years. She has attacked me and came close to hitting me once-no sympathy here
I’m shocked! A professionally written article that still reports problems at city hall without name calling or becoming unruly. Props to NIT!
@LVS I don’t mean to diss your opinion and I am not an apologist for the gang at City Hall. I’m just saying if you feel so strongly do something about it other than just offering outlandish solutions. Matt ran for office, what have you done?
@ Grizz-Voted for Jodi, Voted for Leonard, Voted for Max, attended all of the meeting they had and supported them all the way. Where were you??
After reading Mr. Trout’s response, it is apparent he has had his fill of Ms. Gerk and acted accordingly. Ms. Gerk was given respect.
Knowing Ms. Gerk, I can understand there is no pleasing her, she is a handful.
I stand corrected.
I do agree. She is wacko…
Cheryl Gerk is a trouble maker who needs her meds better regulated. Hey LVS if you want our elected officials removed from office put your money where your mouth is and get the ball rolling instead of just griping about them.
@Griz-It is big mouth’s like you that enable these jerks. They have proven over and over that they have no respect for anyone who is not part of their elitist group. By your comments I would say you are one of them. If voted against them and supported everyone running against them. If you do not like my opinion that is tough sh##. I don’t like yours either.
Talking fast? Maybe he has been snorting something, who knows.
Ms. Gerk is still a Mason City Taxpayer and deserves respect no matter how much a city official disagrees with her.
Shame on you Mr. Grump.
This man is clearly reaching for his wallet or his gun. Matt thinks he was reaching for his “piece”. That is kinda scary. A journalist aiming his camera? That is reason to pull out your Hi-Point .22? Joking of course…what a crappy cheap weapon.
I thought immediate termination was the result if a city employee had a firearm on city property? I realize the police are exempt from this because of their job description. Does this mean any city employee that has a legal permit to carry a firearm can??? If NOT then this needs to be addressed.
With all the the public monkey business and power struggles he has been involved in you would think that by now he would have learned to keep his mouth shut and no interact more humility and less defensively and aggressively.
Mother, it’s time for you to clean up your punctuation and grammar. I’ve seen you posting on NIT for sometime as a “somewhat intellectual”. Either you’re tipsy or your ignorant. I’d like you to step ahead and DEFINE YOURSELF. If you’re smart…than show it. Right now, I’m not sure. GRAY/ GREY AREA.
I swear to God that was spell check that did that. I meant “THEN show it”. I hate Iphones.
(sheepishly) okay I lied. I’m on my Chromebook. I had to confess because I failed to account for the your / you’re not contraction…a tell-tale sign of TACO BELL MEMBERSHIP. Will NIT ever forgive me? Please…I’m grovelling for another chance.
Humility is a good thing every now and then Phil. Thanks for sharing your experiences relative to the problems one can encounter with spell and grammar check
I encountered Ms. Gerk during the Jordan Johnson axe murder trial. She is intelligent, but she keeps stepping closer to your personal space as she makes her points, and in short time, I found myself wanting to get away. Ms. Gerk needs to refine her mannerisms. Plus, it would help for her to see a stylist. But all in all, I think she still has potential. Ms. Gerk, do you concur? Remember, the ability for self-reflection and introspection is our greatest power.
@Philly-I doubt very much that she will change at this time in her life. I have watched her and can see where she might get a little irritating from time to time, but that is because she is intelligent and is trying to make a point. Does that sound at all familiar?
Yes but do you recall body odor when talking with me? I try to bathe before attending court. 🙂 Sorry Cheryl, I’m just trying to build a better U, EWE, YOU, U, YEW.
@Philly-I do not recall body odor when thinking about you or her. But then again I have never met you or her in person so I really do not know.
I probably walked pass you during the night of the debates at the Prime N Wine. I’m tall like Alex Kuhn and a lot uglier. In fact, I’ve been thought of as the uglier version of Brad Garret. 🙂 🙁
@Philly-I have seen you from time to time just like I have seen Ms. Gerk. I have just never met you person to person. I also saw you at a Clear Lake Council meeting last year.
That was my stunt double automated android. Talking to the council of Clear Lake is a colossal waste of time, but I needed to maintain a presence. I employed the services of the android for those final appearances. They keep it cool in those chambers because they don’t want their wax to start melting.
@Philly-For a android it was sure lifelike. acted just like you too.
Ms. Gerk is a very intelligent lady. She does her homework and knows what she is talking about. Unfortunatly she does not know when to shut up. I imagine she can be very flustrating.
Sat behind Trout and his girlfriend (or new wife?) at the Pyrotechnics show Friday night. Sickening. Was ready to tell them to get a room.
Friendly suggestion: All citizens should have their cameras on at all times and the email address northiowatoday@gmail.com programmed into their phones or computers to forward any and all news tips in to our office.
I am not sure I can believe Gerks’ side of this story….she appears to be a wack job!
I am familiar with the situation. I know for a fact that Ms. Gerk regularly calls city hall and attends council meetings. I can also say that the cast at city hall has lost patience with Ms. Gerk. Knowing first-hand that Mr. Trout becomes aggressive when he is angered or frustrated, I find it extremely plausible that he made these remarks. Mr. Trout and his bosses were emailed to explain the situation. I expect a full reply from city hall, and will update at that time.
This just proves that the current administration has no respect for the citizens of this city, especially the elderly who pay their salary. They should be impeached and Trout should be fired. They would treat a country club member that way would they?
Remaining as impartial as possible, the answer is no, Trout would never talk to Robin Anderson or Erin Peterson or Larry Elwood or some other “important” person that way. He would certainly never speak to Eric the Fuhrer in that fashion. He knows who he can bully and who he can’t. Sometimes, he finds out the hard way where his boundaries are.
@Matt-Bully’s generally get theirs in the end. I will be looking forward to Trout and his boss getting theirs soon. Trout would never try something like that unless he knew he had Bookies support.