The meeting was called to discuss management of the annual Labor Day celebration but Gooden was unable to attend due to a family illness.
In her absence, council members discussed a recent news release stating the city's preparedness to handle the celebration. That news release had some people feeling Gooden was being pushed aside. City manager Ted Graham told the council and audience that a letter had been sent to her, "about helping her, never about taking Labor Day from her."
He pointed out the city is limited in how it can help. 'If she wants us to support it we can do it but, if she wants more as she said in an earlier meeting, it must be a city event so our insurance can cover it."
Gooden met with the parks, recreation and tourism board and Graham last fall about the city helping.
"For us to expend money, we would have to be more in management or control," he added. "She was invited to be an ex officio member."
Council member Janna Duggan said she attended that meeting and recalled Gooden thanking everyone for wanting to help with the celebration.
In answer to a question over the news release saying Gooden was retiring, mayor Jennifer Clason read the news story from Thehenryettan. "The article did not say anything about retiring." That news story can be seen here.
Because Gooden was not available Tuesday, the matter will be put on the Jan. 19 agenda.
