LYNNWOOD — Eric Frimodt has announced his intention to leave his position as Lynnwood’s city attorney.
“I am currently in the process of putting together, with the mayor and council, a transition plan,” Frimodt told The Enterprise. He said that his resignation should be finalized before the end of June.
The announcement came after the May 24 council meeting, where expenses in the city attorney’s budget came under question and Mayor Don Gough called for an exploration of the attorney’s billing statements.
Bellevue-based Inslee, Best, Doezie &Ryder has been under contract with the city of Lynnwood to supply legal services for more than five years. Frimodt has been serving the city since January 2009, following the retirement of another attorney from the firm.
The city’s contract continues despite the resignation. The mayor will eventually bring forward Frimodt’s replacement, who will be from the same firm.
“The whole thing is totally unnecessary,” said Councilman Loren Simmonds, referring to remarks made at the May 24 meeting which could be construed as questioning the attorney’s integrity. “Comments were made, by accident or by design, that were just unfortunate. The city has another black eye. This reflects on the whole city.”
Council President Ted Hikel saw it differently.
“The city attorney heard something the rest of us did not,” he said. “There was a difference in what was said and what was heard.”
This is the second key personnel departure, through resignation, for Gough’s administration.
In March, finance director John Moir departed following a heated exchange during a council work session. Moir was peppered with questions about how city funds had been allocated and what plans had been made to resolve the city’s budget woes.
Stephanie Simpson, the mayor’s executive assistant, has also left her post. She accused Gough of discrimination last February, which led to a personnel investigation and a settlement between the city and Simpson. She was given $49,500 plus three months of benefits for her agreement to not sue the city or Gough.
Councilmembers contacted by The Enterprise expressed that Frimodt has consistently acted with integrity and professionalism as city attorney.
“I was dismayed to learn of his resignation,” said Councilman Mark Smith. “He has been a tremendous asset to the city and has been very professional in a difficult environment.”
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