LOCAL NEWS

City Employee Reprimanded, Back On The Job After Pointing Gun At Co-Workers

Mar 14, 2019, 6:28 PM

HYDE PARK, Utah — Two public works employees have voluntarily resigned after they say they could no longer feel safe on the job.

The reason ties back to an incident from  last November.

According to documents obtained through a public records request, Public Works Director Mike Grundig called a mandatory meeting.

During the meeting, witnesses say he held a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, and said, “Don’t you think Justin would look better with a green dot on his forehead?”

Just a moment later, Justin Bodrero said, Grundig pointed his laser sight at his chest, and then at his crotch, as he backed away.

Witnesses said Grundig then pointed the gun at two other employees, before saying that he had a friend who does that to him and he hates it.

The incident was reported to Hyde Park Police at the end of January.

Bodrero told police that the three of them did not report it sooner because they worried that Grundig would be able to get away with it, thanks to his close ties to members of the city council, and the mayor.

Interim North Park Police Chief, Steve Milne says the incident was then turned over to the city, and that there were no criminal actions, since Grundig never made any threats, and it was determined that the handgun was not loaded.

In February, Mayor Sharidean Flint reprimanded Grundig.

In a letter to Grundig, Flint said, “I conclude that the drawing and pointing of a gun at a city employee during work hours constitutes offensive, deliberate, careless, and negligent conduct.”

Flint docked Grundig’s pay to $25 an hour and demoted him to a public works employee, saying that the city would hire a new director in his place.

Grundig filed an appeal with the city council, and on March 5th, the council made adjustments to the mayor’s disciplinary action.

Grundig’s title as director was reinstated, and his pay moved back up to $33.38 an hour. Instead, Grundig was put on a six-day suspension, and was able to return to work on March 11th.

Mayor Flint said ultimately the reprimand was changed because the city had to abide by previously set standards and procedures.

“I think the council made a decision, based on what they thought was right,” Flint said. “And I certainly tried to do that, but you know legality is always tricky.”

Public works employee, Kolby Christiansen told police back in January that he would leave his job, if Grundig came back, and that he worried that Grundig may not be mentally stable.

Bodrero told KSL in a written statement:

“While I enjoyed my job, relied on the income and hate to sacrifice 10 years of investment into the state retirement program, I could not in good conscience remain under the management of a man who felt that action was appropriate or in the employment of a city that defended those actions.”

-Justin Bordero

Grundig could not be reached for comment Thursday.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

10 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

10 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

12 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

13 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

13 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

City Employee Reprimanded, Back On The Job After Pointing Gun At Co-Workers