City Council called the meeting after a letter surfaced from Cleveland Heights Police Chief Christopher M. Britton to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal of Investigation (BCI).
According to the letter, an employee believes she was being recorded during interviews about the toxic work environment in Cleveland Heights City Hall.
“Today is yet another sad day for Cleveland Heights. We have to get to the bottom of this,” said City Council President Tony Cuda. “During the last six months, the Mayor and his wife have dragged this city through the mud. Today’s accusations, however, are different. They are potential felonies that warrant investigation by law enforcement. Someone from outside of City Hall who has the authority to override the Mayor’s stonewalling and get to the truth.”
After the police chief’s letter, the BCI declined to investigate the matter.
The council meeting began with an executive session.
The city council was unanimous in passing a resolution asking for three things:
An investigation
For the mayor to refrain from making personnel decisions
For the mayor to consider resignation
The council specifically asked for the BCI to consider an investigation again.
Watch the full meeting here:
In response to the council meeting, Mayor Kahlil Seren released a letter to the public.
Back on June 3, the council voted 6-1 to pass a resolution expressing a loss of confidence in the mayor, and declaring the necessity that the legislation become effective immediately as an emergency measure.
Several residents expressed their frustration with the mayor during the public comment period and called for his resignation.
On May 30, residents started collecting petitions for a recall election.
According to court documents, Patrick Costigan was fired as the mayor’s assistant in March. The filing said the firing came a little over a month after Costigan asked to go on medical leave because of a “personal matter” with McDaniel.
McDaniel is the wife of Mayor Seren.
The suit claims McDaniel made verbal and written statements that were anti-Semitic and homophobic.
There are also screenshots of text messages in the filing.
The lawsuit states Costigan is going after the city of Cleveland Heights for a hostile work environment, and McDaniel for aiding and abetting in the violation.
Seren filed for reelection ahead of the recall petition efforts.
According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, the candidate filings were updated Thursday to include Seren.
Check back with 19 News for developments on this ongoing story.
