A hearing concerning a Feb. 5 written complaint filed by an Oxford Township employee against an elected official was the subject of a special closed session meeting Monday night.
Patti Durr, an employee in the Building Department, filed a complaint under the township’s personnel policy accusing Treasurer Joe Ferrari of harassment.
Although he’s not permitted to give any specific details regarding the nature of the harassment complaint, township attorney Gary Rentrop stated for the record that it did not involve any form of sexual harassment.
Because Durr wanted the complaint brought before the entire township board, per the personnel policy’s requirements, township attorney Chris Kaye said the matter was now governed under the Open Meetings Act, which meant it was up to the elected official named in the complaint to decide whether or not the issue was discussed in open or closed session.
When this reporter asked the township board if it was going to reveal the name of the elected official in question given that Durr’s name was mentioned during open session, Ferrari replied, ‘I hope the elected official’s name doesn’t come up ? just to protect the township.?
Although his name never came up during open session, reliable sources close to the situation confirmed Durr’s complaint was in fact lodged against Ferrari.
It was Ferrari who made the motion to go into closed session. Officials approved it 5-1 with Trustee Charles Kniffen casting the lone dissenting vote.
Following the closed session, the township board took no action.
Both Durr and Ferrari declined to comment on the matter.
This is the second time Ferrari has been accused of harassing an employee.
In May 2002, former Deputy Treasurer Sharon Fahy filed a lawsuit against Ferrari and the township accusing the treasurer of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, retaliation, violation of Michigan Whistleblower’s Act, wrongful discharge/breach of contract and ‘intentional infliction of emotional distress.?
Ferrari had terminated Fahy in March 2002. He ‘vehemently? denied all of his former employee’s allegations.
The township settled the lawsuit in December 2003 for $100,000 with $50,000 coming from the general fund and the other half from the municipality’s insurance carrier. Both the sexual harassment and ‘intentional infliction of emotional distress? claims brought by Fahy were dismissed by the court prior to the settlement.