(KLZA)-- It has been a tumultuous few weeks for Falls City administrators, council members and city employees.

All six members of the Electric Department Line Crew resigned earlier this month leading to some to call for the removal of members of the city Management Team including the City Administrator and Public Works Director and the filing of a recall petition to remove Mayor Mark Harkendorff.

During Monday night's Council meeting, Mayor Harkendorff used his Mayors report to defend himself against the complaint which states Harkendorff has acted in unprofessional behavior, and insulted city workers and dismissed community feedback reflecting poorly on our city and leadership.

Harkendorff said that during a recent closed council session that included the Board of Public Works and included the Line Crew members that resigned, not one time did anyone mention him or his actions as a reason for the workers to resign.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum also responded to the public scrutiny, criticism from keyboard warriors as well as comments form some City Council members threatening his employment, it's time to step back and reassess the challenges and fine a more suitable approach.

Nussbaum says the Administrative Team works long hours in an attempt to move the City forward and position the community for long-term success.

As a result of the recent situation, Nussbaum said options will be explored to change the way things have been done, including cutting back from 50 - 55 hour work weeks to a more reasonable 40-45 hours.

He encouraged Council members take part in strategic planning sessions and help come up with goals and expectations on how to utilize time and resources wisely.

Nussbaum ended with a thank you for city employees and stakeholders along with the Council members that have expressed their support which reinforces the importance of the work being done and the value of serving the community.

Nussbaum said there are 60 applications for the open line crew positions. However most are from apprentices and interns with no journeymen having applied at this point. Interview are being conducted at the present time.

Nussbaum also noted that none of the applications are from former line crew members that resigned.

Currently the City has a contract with RS Electric Utility Service from St. Joseph, Missouri to furnish labor and equipment to the City of Falls City for general construction, maintenance and storm restoration of the electrical lines.