Fire chief alleges threat by councilor, asks Broadview Heights council for response

Fire Chief Jeffrey Hajek told Broadview Heights City Council that he received a direct verbal threat from a council member at a prior meeting and requested that the council clarify what steps it has taken to address the allegation and to restore a safe workplace.

"I'm going to kick your ass," Hajek said he was told, recounting the remark in a prepared statement read aloud to the council and asking for an answer at the next meeting in two weeks. Hajek said the incident occurred in November 2025, has caused him to feel unsafe at work and prompted him to stop attending council meetings for three months. He also described a pattern of conduct he characterized as bullying and intimidation.

Council President Robert Boldt said he had asked the law director for guidance after receiving the human resources report and characterized his knowledge of the specific event as secondhand. Boldt said he sought legal counsel and was awaiting direction. "When I received Vicky's email, I directly wrote an email to the law director, said what should I do in this situation? I was told it was a court case," Boldt said.

Councilor Glenn Goodwin, who said he witnessed the earlier incident, said he interpreted it differently and apologized to Hajek if his interpretation had caused offense. Councilor Jennifer Mahnic urged action and suggested an executive session to discuss employee concerns in a confidential setting. Mahnic said she had experienced similar conduct and that staff and other officials previously contacted human resources about treatment she received while serving on council.

No formal disciplinary action or vote occurred at the meeting. Councilors directed that the law director and human resources be consulted about appropriate next steps; council members discussed the possibility of an executive session to address personnel matters. Hajek’s request for a response by the next council meeting remained outstanding at adjournment.