City fire chief settlement ends 30-month saga

The 30-month dispute involving Colfax Fire Chief Ralph Walter, city officials and members of the fire department came to a formal end Friday night when city council members approved a $120,000 mediation settlement and a severance pay package of slightly more than $20,000.

Mayor Todd Vanek represented the city at the Dec. 13 mediation session.

The severance pay agreement calls for Walter to resign his position with the city as of Jan. 1.

Vanek said he believes the two votes at the special Friday night session will allow the city to resolve relationship problems in the fire department. The mayor...