City of Clarion parting ways with city administrator

            A special meeting of the Clarion City Council was held Tuesday, September 10^th between their regular twice-monthly meetings. The meeting was to discuss the city administration position. The city has decided to part ways with Jordan Cook who has been Clarion City Administrator since late 2017. No information was given about why the parties made this decision as the city does not comment on personnel issues.

            The council went to approve a resolution authorizing a separation agreement and release with Cook. City attorney Zach Chizek noted that such an agreement means that both parties have a desire to mutually separate. Chizek added that such agreements are effective because it lets the exiting party out of giving 60 days notice of leaving and protects the city as well. The council all voted yes on the measure, except Teresa Lancaster who voted no.

            The agreement noted Cook will receive a one-time lump sum payment of $29,240.35, which includes four months of salary, unused earned vacation and personal days and six months of insurance premium. The language of the agreement says it was “executed as a compromise settlement of a disputed claim, liability and/or wrongdoing for which is expressly denied by the parties released,” and the obligations of the agreement “do not constitute an admission of liability on the part of any person or entity.”

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