CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Cleveland Heights City Council held a special committee meeting Wednesday night to discuss the concerns raised by former City Administrator Dan Horrigan regarding the involvement of Mayor Kahlil Seren’s wife, Natalie McDaniel, in City Hall operations.

The meeting centered around issues stemming from Horrigan’s resignation on March 17.

During the meeting, councilmembers discussed the contents of a memo Horrigan had sent to Mayor Seren on March 14.

According to 3News Media Partner Cleveland.com, which obtained multiple emails via public records requests, Horrigan expressed discomfort in the memo with McDaniel’s presence in City Hall, saying that it made several employees feel uncomfortable. He also criticized McDaniel for allegedly directing staff in her unofficial capacity, describing her actions as “improper and un-ethical.”

Horrigan stated that in order for him to remain in his position, McDaniel would need to stay away from City Hall and stop giving orders to city employees. His resignation followed just days after the memo, making him the third city administrator to leave during Mayor Seren’s tenure.

During Wednesday’s meeting, councilmembers spoke about the allegations, including Jim Posch, who voiced his concerns about the situation, highlighting the number of high-level departures within the city.

“It doesn’t matter to me that a family member comes in and aids and assists and provides guidance, but this almost seems like this has crossed the line,” said Posch. “In the spirit of trying to protect the city, we’ve had 12 major directors leave this city, and we’re concerned about this.”

Mayor Seren addressed the matter during the meeting and clarified his stance regarding his wife’s involvement in city affairs. He claimed that while McDaniel had attended city business meetings, she had never directed staff or overstepped her bounds.

When speaking with 3News after the meeting, Seren denied any wrongdoing, stating, “At no point did my wife believe she had the authority to give directives to my staff. On many, many occasions, she has made that clear as I have I, that her opinions are her own and the mayor may or may not share them and I think it’s important for people to recognize that. Anybody can be consulted.”

The mayor also confirmed that an internal investigation is being launched into the allegations involving his wife and the circumstances surrounding Horrigan’s resignation.