After about an hour in executive session, the council voted 6 to 3 in favor of the mayor's decision to terminate Cole.  Cole was fired back in June.  At the time, Kooiker cited state law that says the mayor has the authority to remove an appointed official as he deems necessary to promote the interests of the municipality.  No other reason was given.  Since then, Jeff Biegler has been appointed to the post.  He's scheduled to start as the new Parks and Rec director next week.

Julie Oberlander