HANFORD â Art Brieno stepped onto the dais inside council chambers Tuesday evening and reclaimed his council seat, rescinding the resignation that he announced three weeks ago.
The move prompted several members of the public to ask the Council for an explanation, including attorney Rachele Berglund, who is representing Hanfordâs Community Development Director, Darlene Mata, in a claim against the city.
The claim alleges Brieno subjected Mata to a hostile work environment and unlawful workplace conduct, including gender harassment. Mata is seeking a settlement payment of $1.25 million from the city, among other demands.
âI am a bit perplexed about how a council member who resigned, unequivocally, is now back on the dais,â Berglund said, during the meetingâs public comment portion.