GARDINER -- Business and civic leaders are circulating a petition supporting City Manager Jeff Kobrock.

Petitioners are worried the City Council is in the process of terminating Kobrock, who hasn't had a contract with the city for more than two years.

During the past few weeks, councilors have met in executive session to discuss an unspecified personnel issue.

They spent almost four hours in two executive sessions on April 15. During the second executive session, loud voices carried into the public hallway and through closed doors, as councilors discussed the issue with the city's attorney.

Mayor Andrew MacLean said Wednesday he understands there is great pressure to resolve "the situation" and hopes to have more information about what councilors have been meeting about soon.

"I recognize there's great interest in the community for some word," MacLean said. "When we can say something, we'll do it as soon as we (make a decision)."

Resident Greg Chapman, of Chapman Oil Co. in Gardiner, signed the petition. "I just think the allegations brought up against him were out of his control at the time," Chapman said. "I just think overall he's done a good job for the city, and I think he should be kept in office to do further good for us."

Kobrock said he appreciates the support.

"But more importantly, I sense the community reaffirming a belief in the substantial progress we have made together and the important aspirations we have for the future," Kobrock said.

The petition cited "possible issues" as Kobrock's "quiet demeanor" and oversight of city employees.

Chapman said he thinks no one could have foreseen three controversial personnel changes among city staff in the last 12 months.

Earlier this month, an arbitrator upheld the grievance of a firefighter terminated after the city's insurance company refused his coverage to operate city vehicles. The arbitrator cleared Johnson and ordered him rehired by the city.

In January, Gardiner Fire Chief Mark Kimball retired after a dispute about vacation hours.

In April 2008, city finance administrator Patricia Coty was convicted of stealing $196,000 and sentenced to six years in jail.

The petition in support of Kobrock said the former City Council passed along the job of negotiating Kobrock's contract to a new council four months into its new term, and that new councilors do not have enough knowledge of Kobrock's job performance.

The petition said Kobrock's work has helped Gardiner with new state, federal and private grants and a number of successful projects including the Libby Hill business park, a new waterfront park, Kennebec River Rail Trail, improvements to Gardiner Common and Museum in the Streets.

"All of these are the result of Mr. Kobrock's quiet but effective work," according to the petition.

Nelson Gosline, of the Gosline Insurance Group in Gardiner, said he signed the petition because he felt Kobrock is doing a good job as city manager and should remain in office.

"I've known Jeff ever since he first came to Gardiner," Gosline said. "I worked with him when he was the economic development director. He was on the board of trade and, of course, as city manger I worked with him a number of years as the city insurance agent. I never had a problem with him.

"He's pro-Gardiner and I don't see any good reason why we should force him to resign."

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com