Sep. 7—DANVILLE — The David S. Palmer Arena's general manager for about two and half years has been terminated by the arena board.
At a meeting last month, board members voted to terminate Joe Dunagan as general manager if he didn't resign.
The Commercial-News filed a state Freedom of information Act request last week for minutes of the Aug. 24 meeting after board attorney Andrew Mudd declined to answer questions about Dunagan's termination and said a FOIA request would be needed to see unapproved meeting minutes.
Teri Gaffney, secretary, board of directors, and human resources director with the Vermilion County Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium & Office Building Authority, 100 W. Main St., Danville, otherwise known as the arena, sent an emailed response on Wednesday.
"In response to your FOIA request, the following excerpt is from the unapproved meeting minutes of Aug. 24, 2022, and may be corrected at the next meeting which is scheduled for Sept. 13, 2022: It was moved by Kim Hoffman, seconded by Tara Auter and carried unanimously that John Spezia, Scott Dowers, Dylan Haun and Janet Payne (a volunteer at the arena) meet with Joe Dunagan at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, to discuss the information provided in executive session and to give him the opportunity to tender his resignation by 3 p.m. If no response is received by 3 p.m., to then terminate Mr. Dunagan effective Aug. 25, 2022.
"Roll Call taken and unanimous decision 9-0 in favor of proceeding with the resignation or termination of Mr. Dunagan as General Manager. (Ayes: (Tara) Auter, (Scott) Dowers, (Carley) Fredericks, (Dylan) Haun, (Britny) Hoag, (Kim) Hoffman, (Ken) Salomon, (Maruti) Seth, (John) Spezia. Nays: none. Abstain: none)."
Board members listed on the arena website also include Bill Black, O.J. Harrison and Dean Shore.
The released unapproved meeting minutes continued: "The need to have security present was discussed and Human Resources will work with the local police department for presence while assuring that our actions take into consideration the dignity, integrity and self-esteem of the individual. Ms. Gaffney was asked to identify a listing of items that we need to gather prior to the individual leaving the building. Mr. Mudd stated that he will make himself available for any questions or assistance that may be needed on Thursday."
Dunagan, who ended up being terminated, said on Wednesday he had no comment at this time.
Dunagan is a Danville native and Schlarman High School and University of Illinois graduate. He's been a teacher, coach and athletic director at schools in the area. Prior to being hired at the arena, he taught in Martinsville, Ind.