Melvindale Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Jackson (third from left) speaks during the Dec. 17 City Council meeting about his decision to oppose Karen Frederick’s reappointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission as Mayor Nicole Shkira (left); Corporate Counsel Roger Kaly; Councilmember Stan Filipowski; and Councilmember Scott Frederick, Karen Frederick’s husband, listen.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE – Despite winter’s cold, tempers were hot during the Dec. 17 City Council meeting at which Councilmember Scott Frederick’s wife, Karen Frederick, was denied reappointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Opposed to the motion were Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Jackson and Councilmembers Dawn Cartrette and Wheeler Marsee, with City Council President Saleim Abuali and Councilmember Stan Filipowski in favor and Councilmember Scott Frederick abstaining.
Jamie Lincoln, who was reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission, used public comment time to protest Karen Frederick’s denial, citing her work on the Trunk or Treat event, the city’s holiday tree lighting, and the Toys for Tots drive.
“We have so much planned that we want to do this year, and we really need Karen,” she said.
Karen Frederick
Lincoln said Karen Frederick’s personality can cause some people to dislike her, but she urged the council to put personal feelings aside.
Jackson said that while part of his decision to vote against Frederick’s reappointment was personal, the work she has been doing is volunteer, and no one is stopping her from volunteering for the city even if she is no longer on the commission.
He said it is a privilege to hold a position of authority on a commission, and it is important to have a good rapport with the council.
Karen Frederick then interrupted Jackson from the house, and he used it as an illustration of what he was trying to explain.
Jackson said Karen Frederick is a hard worker and has a “heart for the city,” but she was not well suited for a position of authority.
“There is always some kind of animosity, there is always screaming from the audience, there are always personal attacks,” he said.
Jackson said the council is entrusted to make the decisions it feels is in the city’s best interest, including appointing volunteers to represent the city on commissions.
He said it is not logical for her to think that the council members whom she has opposed would reappoint her to a city commission.
Abuali said that while Karen Frederick “does get out of line sometimes,” he is unaware of any other volunteer who works as hard as she does.
Scott Frederick said that most of the points he planned to make had already been made by others.
“What you saw here tonight was one of the most cowardly and irresponsible acts ever by this council,” he said. “You were put in these seats to vote for what is best for the residents of the city, not to placate your fragile little egos.”
Scott Frederick said removing Karen Frederick from the commission is a detriment to the residents of the city.
He said the commission has put on successful, well-attended events in the past year, and that Karen Frederick has worked well with stakeholders and built a strong team.
“Enjoy your victory,” Scott Frederick said. “You don’t understand what you just did.”
Mayor Nicole Shkira said that she and Karen Frederick aren’t even talking right now, but she felt that the council taking away Karen Frederick’s position was “disgusting.”
“Even when we are not talking, I would not put the city in jeopardy,” she said. “What these ladies have done with Saleim (Abuali) as part of the Parks and Rec hasn’t been done in decades.
“We’ve had multiple events that have been very successful, and over personal issues is disgusting.”
Scott Frederick engaged in a verbal argument with Jackson in the parking lot east of city hall following the meeting, in front of witnesses.