Chaffee's public works director resigns position

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Eric Hicks, director of public works for the city of Chaffee, resigned his position Monday after eight years of service, less than two weeks after blurting out his resignation at a special city council meeting.

Hicks did not attend Monday night's council meeting, but submitted a letter of resignation, read by Mayor Loretta Mohorc.

In the letter, Hicks, who has been on a 10-day medical leave for stress, described the last four years as "miserable," saying he felt personally harassed by members of the council.

Sept. 1 will be Hicks' last day. He submitted his two weeks notice but plans to take a week's vacation. He is seeking reimbursement for the rest of his comped time.

In the letter, Hicks complained of being subjected to "an investigation" by Councilman Jack Nordin -- the man who urged him to accept the job eight years ago.

The council agreed to place an ad in the newspaper seeking a replacement for Hicks.

At a special meeting of the council Aug 9, Hicks announced his resignation at the tail end of the meeting, after it had already been adjourned, but said later he may reconsider.