AP Public Works Coordinator Sues City Manager

Public Works Department Coordinator Ted Long has filed a lawsuit against City Manager Sarah Adelt, seeking a court order for the release of public records which he claims Adelt did not provide.

The lawsuit was filed on Thursday, two days after Adelt sent a letter to Long advising him "that I am considering disciplinary action against you, up to and including potential termination."

In the lawsuit, filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit Court, Long said he filed a written request with Adelt to examine all documents alleging any problems with his management of public works, and "any and all public records in support of any allegations of violating any city policy."

His public records request also asked for any "documentary evidence" that would support allegations against himself of "lack of leadership or direction," and any "specific charges" made by either city employees or others about "any impropriety or improper behavior on the part of Theodore Long or (Public Works foreman)Freddie Renfro."

The lawsuit, filed by attorney James McCollum, claims that Adelt has either failed or refused to release the public records requested, as mandated under the state public records law.

In her March 17 letter to Long, Adelt said she was considering disciplinary action, up to firing, against Long for two reasons.

"Despite prior discussions," Adelt wrote to Long, "you have not met my expectations with respect to management of the Public Works Department. Your lack of a proactive management approach has led to issues which should have been avoided.

"A number of your subordinate employees have expressed concerns regarding the working environment and/or the treatment afforded them by you and/or their supervisors. One recent example is your inappropriate behavior toward Matthew Thompson, on or about March 5, 2009, whereby you grabbed him by his collar and pulled him toward you."

About the second reason, Adelt wrote, "you have not exercised effective supervision of your working foremen and their subordinate employees. For example, while several employees have recently raised concerns regarding their supervisors and their work environment, you have not effectively responded to those concerns by taking appropriate corrective action or otherwise discussing the matter with the employees concerned."

Adelt wrote that before deciding what action, if any, to take, Long could meet with her for "an informal pre-disciplinary conference if you so desire," At such a hearing, she wrote, Long could explain his positions about her concerns and "present any information you would like for me to consider before I make my decision."

Adelt gave Long a deadline of 4 p.m. March 19 to request the informal pre-disciplinary hearing.

In the lawsuit, filed March 19, Long asks the court to order the release of the public records he requested, and to reimburse his costs for the lawsuit.

Neither could be reached at press time Monday.