City of Gladwin, Gladwin City Hall

10/08/2026

WWTP Update: October 8th
The wastewater treatment plant continues to operate on influent pump #3. Replacement parts for the other two pumps arrived ahead of the expected delivery date and are scheduled to be installed next week.

The temporary bypass pumps brought in during the outage remain on site. Once the repaired pumps are back in service and running, those temporary pumps will be removed.

Sampling of the treated water leaving the plant has continued, and phosphorus levels have remained lower since the chemical feed was increased in September. The September monthly average did come in above the permit limit. EGLE continues to receive regular updates on plant operation and sampling. October results to date are below the limit.

Residents can help by keeping wipes, rags, grease, and other non-flushable items out of the sewer. These are the most common cause of pump clogs, both at the plant and in the collection system.

10/07/2026

10/01/2026

𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐄, 𝐆𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐙 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐯𝐬. 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐖𝐈𝐍
𝐎𝐌𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐎𝐈𝐀 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The City is publishing the original complaint and signed Release and Settlement Agreement from Kile, Gutierrez and Esiline v. City of Gladwin so residents can review the complete documents and understand how the litigation was resolved.

A complaint contains allegations made by the parties filing a lawsuit. Those allegations are claims presented to the court; they are not findings made by the court. A settlement agreement is different. It records the terms the parties agreed upon to resolve litigation without having the court decide the merits of the disputed claims.

𝟏. 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭?

The lawsuit was filed in November 2023 by Sarah Kile, Cristy Gutierrez and Jaimie Esiline against the City of Gladwin, the City Council and former City Administrator Christopher Shannon

𝟐. 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭?

The plaintiffs alleged violations of the Open Meetings Act arising from an October 16, 2023 closed session involving the proposed sale of City property. They also raised claims involving the Freedom of Information Act, the City Charter, the Home Rule City Act and the respective authority of the Mayor and former City Administrator.

The complaint requested various forms of relief from the court, including declarations concerning alleged violations, injunctive relief, damages, attorney fees and costs, and a fine against former City Administrator Christopher Shannon. These were requests made in the complaint, not findings or penalties imposed by the court.

𝟑. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝?

The case was resolved through a negotiated Release and Settlement Agreement rather than through a trial or court determination on the merits of the plaintiffs’ allegations.

The plaintiffs asked the court to make certain findings and grant certain relief. The case settled without the court making a determination on the merits of those claims.

The settlement agreement therefore represents what the parties agreed to in order to resolve the litigation; it is not a judgment determining that the allegations in the complaint were proven.

𝟒. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞?

The settlement states that the City acknowledged that “certain provisions” of the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act were not followed.

The agreement does not identify the particular OMA or FOIA provisions, meetings, records, actions or individuals encompassed by that acknowledgment.

𝟓. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 “𝐧𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲” 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?

The settlement expressly states that it “is not to be construed as an admission of liability.” It also describes the matter as a compromise of a “doubtful and disputed claim” and states that the released parties denied liability.

In this context, that means the parties agreed to resolve the lawsuit without the defendants admitting legal liability and without the court deciding the merits of the disputed claims.

This does not eliminate the City’s acknowledgment that certain OMA and FOIA provisions were not followed. Both statements are contained in the settlement agreement and should be read together:

The City acknowledged that certain OMA and FOIA provisions were not followed, while the defendants did not admit legal liability and the court did not make a determination on the merits of the plaintiffs’ allegations.

The settlement contains no judicial finding that former City Administrator Christopher Shannon or another individual City official was personally liable for the alleged violations.

𝟔. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨?

Under the settlement, the City agreed to:
• Pay $21,515.64 to Smith Bovill, P.C., the law firm representing the plaintiffs;
• Endeavor in good faith to comply with the OMA and FOIA;
• Recognize the authority of the Mayor under the Home Rule City Act and City Charter;
• Comply with the Home Rule City Act and City Charter; and
• Provide OMA and FOIA training as provided in the agreement.
The settlement amount was handled through the City’s Michigan Municipal League liability coverage.

𝟕. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨?

Sarah Kile, Cristy Gutierrez and Jaimie Esiline agreed to release the City, City Council, former City Administrator Christopher Shannon, successor City Administrator Kimberly Hines and the other released parties from the claims covered by the agreement.

The agreement describes the resolution as a full and final compromise and settlement of the covered claims.

𝟖. 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭?

The case did not result in a court decision declaring either side the winner on the merits of the claims.

The plaintiffs requested that the court find violations and grant various forms of relief, but the case was settled before the court made a determination on the merits of those allegations.

The case is therefore accurately described as resolved through a negotiated settlement without a court determination on the merits of the disputed claims.

For complete context, residents are encouraged to review the original complaint and signed Release and Settlement Agreement in their entirety, which are provided below:

Sarah Kile, Cristy Gutierrez & Jaimie Esiline vs. City of Gladwin:
https://cms9files.revize.com/gladwinmi/Kile,%20Gutierrez,%20Esiline%20vs.%20City%20of%20Gladwin%20Case%2011992.pdf?t=202610010914100

Kile Vs. City Signed Settlement Agreement:
https://www.gladwin.org/Kile%20vs%20City%20Signed%20settlement%20Agreement.pdf?t=202610010919070

09/16/2026

Happening this Saturday, September 19, 2026

09/14/2026

City of Gladwin WWTP Update
Monday September 14, 2026

The wastewater treatment plant is back in operation and treating the city's wastewater.

The plant is currently operating on one of its three influent pumps. The other two were taken out of service after problems developed during startup, and they will stay down while repair parts are obtained. The pump in service is handling the plant's current flows, and the temporary pumps used during the outage remain on site as a backup while the repairs are made.

Sampling of the treated water leaving the plant has continued. One result to report: phosphorus in the effluent has risen above the plant's monthly average permit limit. Phosphorus is a nutrient limit that protects the river from excess algae growth. It is not a drinking water parameter, and it is not a limit that governs swimming or contact with the river. Because the treatment process is still recovering from over a month offline, the plant is not expected to meet the monthly average for September. EGLE is aware of the situation and continues to receive regular updates.

Residents can help by keeping wipes, rags, grease, and other non-flushable items out of the sewer. These are the most common cause of pump clogs.

09/09/2026

Wastewater Treatment Plant Update-September 9, 2026
This week, the city and its wastewater professionals are beginning the careful, phased restart of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Each system will be brought online and fully evaluated before the next phase begins to ensure the plant safely returns to full operating capacity. Throughout this process, the team will continue taking additional precautions and conducting enhanced monitoring. The City is providing this information to help residents understand what is being tested, what the results mean, and how the public will be notified if any conditions require action.

What the City Is Testing
The Wastewater Treatment Plant tests treated wastewater for f***l coliform at the end of the treatment process. This testing takes place before the treated wastewater enters the Cedar River.
F***l coliform is a group of bacteria used as an indicator of possible f***l contamination.

The City's wastewater testing tells us about the treated wastewater leaving the treatment plant. It does not tell us the water quality of the entire Cedar River.

Recent Wastewater Test Results
The following are the City's reported f***l-coliform results:

Date F***l Coliform (colonies/100 mL)
August 11, 2026 12
August 12, 2026 20
August 13, 2026 12
August 17, 2026 28
August 18, 2026 275
August 19, 2026 10
August 24, 2026 2
August 25, 2026 2
August 26, 2026 6
August 31, 2026 4
September 1, 2026 1
September 2, 2026 1

What these results mean: The highest single result during this period was 275 on August 18. The result was 10 the next day. From August 24 through September 2, results ranged from 1 to 6 colonies per 100 mL.

What Wastewater Testing Can Tell Us
Wastewater testing and river testing answer different questions.

The City's wastewater testing tells us about the treated wastewater as it leaves the treatment plant. It does not determine whether the Cedar River is safe for recreation.
Think of the wastewater plant like a hose emptying into a creek. Testing at the end of the hose tells us what is in the treated water leaving the plant. Testing farther down the creek tells us what is in the river at that location and time.
If treated wastewater has a low bacteria count but bacteria levels are higher farther downstream, the downstream result cannot automatically be linked to the wastewater plant.
E. coli testing can show that f***l contamination is present, but testing alone cannot identify where that contamination came from. Additional information or testing may be needed to identify the source.

Wastewater Permit Requirements
GLWO reports that the City's wastewater permit requires the monthly f***l-coliform average to be below 200 colonies per 100 mL. The permit also requires the seven-day average to be below 400 colonies per 100 mL.
These requirements are based on averages. One higher daily result does not mean the permit has been exceeded.
GLWO reports that all required testing from August 11 through September 2 was within permit parameters. Results are reported to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) daily.
Wastewater sampling is used to verify compliance with applicable permit requirements. The reported f***l-coliform results are provided to EGLE.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Notification
The city and its wastewater professionals continue to monitor the treatment system while the Wastewater Treatment Plant is being restored to full operation. The city is also taking additional precautions and conducting additional sampling during this work.
If testing identifies a permit exceedance, or another condition requires or warrants public notification, the City will follow applicable regulatory requirements and promptly make the public aware.
The City's goal is simple: protect public health, keep our waterways safe for recreation, and provide residents with accurate information based on actual testing.

Cedar River Recreational-Water Monitoring
Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) is responsible for seasonal recreational water E. coli testing and for issuing beach advisories when warranted.
CMDHD tests recreational water for E. coli to evaluate whether the water meets Michigan recreational water-quality standards and whether a public-health advisory is appropriate. This testing is different from the City's wastewater testing. The City tests treated wastewater before it enters the Cedar River. CMDHD tests water in the river to evaluate conditions where people may be using the water for recreation.
CMDHD's August 18 City Park sample was 79.8 E. coli per 100 mL, which was within the applicable recreational water-quality standard. CMDHD determines when test results and conditions warrant a recreational-water or beach advisory. If CMDHD issues an advisory affecting the City Park Beach area, the City will also post that advisory at the beach.

The Bottom Line
The City of Gladwin, its wastewater professionals, and regulatory partners are working to protect public health and keep our waterways safe. While the Wastewater Treatment Plant is being restored to full operation, additional precautions, monitoring, and sampling remain in place.

Water-quality testing and permit requirements can be technical. The City will continue to share clear, accurate information with the public and provide notification when conditions require or warrant it.
Residents can use this information to understand what is being tested, what the results mean, and how they will be notified if conditions change.

09/05/2026

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Gladwin
Happy Labor Day, Gladwin!
As we head into the holiday weekend, we hope everyone has an opportunity to step away from work, slow down and enjoy time with the people who matter most.
Spend Saturday morning visiting our local vendors at the Gladwin Farmers Market from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Then stop by the Gladwin County Historical Society Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to drop off an item for Gladwin’s 50-year time capsule, which will preserve a piece of our community for residents to discover in 2076.
Take a walk or bike ride along the Trail of Two Cities, spend an afternoon at City Park, enjoy a final summer camping trip, or take that last-minute family vacation. Whether you are gathering with family, visiting with neighbors, or simply relaxing at home, we hope your weekend is filled with laughter, connection, and special memories.
Gladwin is more than a place, it is the people, traditions, and everyday moments we share. Thank you to everyone whose hard work and dedication make our community such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
From all of us, have a happy, relaxing, and safe Labor Day weekend!
City of Gladwin City Council & Staff