Peter Grant, the longtime city manager of Cypress, resigned last week after a closed session to discuss his job performance. Effective August 18, Grant’s departure concludes 11 years of service to the Orange County city.
Former Public Works Manager Douglas Dancs previously accused Grant of unlawful acts of misconduct, which were never detailed publicly. An independent investigation was conducted and Cypress ended up agreeing to a $183,000 payout to settle Dancs’ claims. In April, Dancs publicly called on the council to have Grant fired.
The city held multiple special sessions after the allegations were made. The latest was on August 11. Attendees were split on whether Grant should stay or go. In public comments, the two sides almost appeared to be discussing a different person — an exemplary manager who has led the city with integrity or the source of all Cypress’ challenges, depending on who was speaking.
During the closed portion of the meeting, members voted 3-0 to direct City Attorney Fred Galante to take undisclosed action. Two members of the council, Scott Minikus and Bonnie Peat, were absent from the vote.
Read more at the Los Angeles Times and Orange County Register.