Council divided over disclosure, special meeting after former public works director alleges misconduct and NDA

A string of public comments and several council members’ remarks this week pushed the Cypress City Council into a dispute over whether to disclose records and to open an investigation into allegations tied to a confidential separation agreement with former Public Works Director Douglas Danks.

The dispute began to surface in public comment when Linda Stock and other residents referred to news reports naming a $183,000 separation payment and questioned whether the full council had been informed. ‘‘I want to know if the rest of the Council knew about that or did they vote on this big expenditure?’’ resident Linda Stock told the council. (Linda Stock, public commenter.)

Supporters of public disclosure said the council needs the full investigative record to act. Councilmember Pete said he had asked the city attorney for ‘‘the full report of any investigation’’ and that the council should review that information collectively. ‘‘If accusations of serious misconduct are made . . .…