Hollywood Park City Council approved the appointment of three interim department heads during its Oct. 15 meeting following the resignations of three city leaders.
Long story short
The appointments of the interim heads followed the resignation of former Public Works Director Kelly Cowan, former Fire Chief Todd Morgan and former City Secretary Patrick Aten.
According to a statement from Hollywood Park Mayor Chester Drash, the resignations came after an investigation into alleged violations of city code and misuse of city property, as disclosed after a closed session with council and the city attorney.
“I chose to provide these employees with an opportunity to resign along with signing a separation agreement in full disclosure and severance, rather than bringing them to council for council to deliberate on their employment going forward. This decision was made to protect the privacy and dignity of all involved in this matter and the integrity of our government,” Drash said.
Drash also assured residents that the city government will continue to operate with transparency, ethics and professionalism.
After a brief discussion, Jeanette Huggins was appointed as interim city secretary and Mayor Drash took over the responsibilities of public works director. Based on a suggestion from the Hollywood Park Fire Department, Eric Burnside was appointed as interim fire chief.
In their own words
Aten, Cowan and Morgan disputed Drash’s claims of any alleged wrongdoing.
“I was surprised by the mayor’s inaccurate statement as he did not apprise me of ever misusing any city property. I was looking for employment elsewhere, and in an effort to restructure the organization Mayor Drash and I discussed and mutually agreed to a severance agreement that states there was no wrongdoing and that no false or disparaging remarks would be made upon separation. I wish the town well as I move on to other opportunities,” Aten said.
“After listening to the mayor’s comments I was taken by surprise. I have been actively searching for another position, and have not been told by the mayor of anything I have done wrong. I have a signed agreement from the mayor stating that there was no wrong doing. I wish the town and council the best as I have moved on to other endeavors,” Cowan said.
“I was shocked by the mayor’s comments and taken back. At no point have I ever been made aware of what I have been accused of or been told that I was ever under investigation or that I have been involved in any wrongdoing. Mayor Drash offered me a severance package which states there was no wrongdoing on anyone’s part. I wish all the Hollywood Park residents well as I move forward in my career,” Morgan said.
Community Impact did not receive a response from Drash for clarification as of press time.
Stay tuned
Drash said moving forward the city will implement a hiring process to replace department heads.
Drash said Todd Kounse, Hollywood Park Place 2 council member, and Glenna Pearce, Hollywood Park Place 5 council member, suggested a policy that would create a panel for hiring department heads. The proposed panel would consist of the mayor, a council member, and police and fire chiefs from neighboring cities.
“The intent is to try to vet these positions, rather than it being done with one or two people that get involved with the hiring process,” Drash said.
Though the policy may not be able to be voted on during the November meeting, Drash said that city officials will proceed with the hiring process due to the timing of the resignations.
