Village Reaches Settlement, Separation Agreement with Employee Who Filed Complaints

Mount Pleasant trustees are expected Monday night to formally approve a settlement and separation agreement with an employee who filed harrassment and sexual discrimination claims against the village.

Lisa Arndt, former assistant to the late former Administrator Mike Andreasen,  filed a complaint last fall with the state Department of Workforce Development against Mount Pleasant. In a story from The Journal Times, Arndt reportedly claimed that Andreasen treated her possessively, sexually harrassed her, and was verbally and emotionally abusive.

In the story, Arndt's attorney, Shannon McDonald, said his client filed the complaint because village trustees were well aware of Andreasen's behavior and did nothing to intervene, only taking action after f detailing Andreasen's actions. That letter led to , and .

Her case was going to go to federal court, but now, she will instead receive a one-time payment of $18,000, a letter of recommendation for future employers and the village will not contest any unemployment filing, confirming that Arndt resigned "in lieu of termination."

"This was strictly a business decision," said Interim Administrator Ron Meyer. "Parties on both sides wanted to come to an agreement that would allow everyone to move forward."

Arndt remained an employee of the village even as her complaints were filed and being heard and while settlement negotiations were on-going.

According to a copy of the settlement provided to Patch, in exchange for the above conditions from the village, Arndt agrees to "forever release" Mount Pleasant and its agents from all claims and liabilities for any of the complaints she filed against them.

For the original harrassment complaint, the village's insurance company, Community Insurance Corporation, is paying Arndt a $25,000 settlement. Her attorney will receive 60 percent - about $14,332 - while Arndt will get $10,668.

Patch has left messages for both Arndt and her lawyer and we will update this story when we hear from them.