MADISON, Wis. -- The general manager of the Madison Water Utility is again at the center of a controversy after citizens on a utility communications committee voiced concerns to the mayor.

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Due to legal concerns, Madison's mayor is staying tight-lipped about what might be ahead for David Denig-Chakroff, but the mayor said he is frustrated about the situation.

A WISC-TV investigation last year revealed serious, ongoing problems about communication, water quality and management at the Water Utility.

In the past there have been complaints of dirty, potentially even harmful, water in the system and slow action to address the problem. The Water Utility has also received complaints about too many old and broken water mains, bad public communication and bad management.

Despite the controversy, the mayor and City Council gave Denig-Chakroff another contract. A year into that contract, problems remain for the Water Utility and him, WISC-TV reported.

The latest issue involves the lack of public notice about a high manganese water well being turned back on.

Some citizens on a utility communications committee wrote the mayor August 15.

"On July 26 and 27 Well 29 was put on 'standby status' and water from the well entered the drinking water supply -- without public notice," the letter read. "Public notification did not occur until after the second incident on Monday, July 30."

The letter also stated that testing for high manganese levels and iron was not done until Aug. 6, WISC-TV reported.

Communicating with residents about well issues is supposed to be a utility priority following the manganese problem that surfaced in 2006.

At least one water board member is pursuing discipline against Denig-Chakroff and said he believes there are sufficient legal grounds to do it.

"I believe there needs to be some level of disciplinary action. It can range from things as small as a written reprimand up to termination," said George Meyer, commissioner of the Madison Water Board.

Meyer said that next week he will call on the water board chairman to work with the mayor to do a performance evaluation on Denig-Chakroff and then take appropriate action.

"My frustration level with the situation is growing, and we're reviewing our options," said Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

Cieslewicz said he supports a performance review but wouldn't talk about specific options like termination, resignation or a contract buyout. He cited fairness and legal issues.

"I know that sometimes the public feels, and I understand why, that we should be moving more quickly. But I think it's important to treat everyone fairly and to not expose taxpayers to risk," Cieslewicz said.

The mayor said he doesn't want the city to end up facing a lawsuit if some action is taken.

But that's far from certain, WISC-TV reported. Denig-Chakroff's contract allows him to be terminated early but only if certain performance benchmarks aren't met. And he has another year to make sure they are. The manager makes more than $100,000 a year.

But some residents and others said they feel too much is at stake to wait that long.