Commerce City – A new city manager was hired Monday night just days after the Adams County district attorney declined to file criminal charges against the previous city manager.
The Commerce City City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Jerry Flannery during a work session. Flannery – who is the deputy manager for Arizona’s Coconino County – will start July 5.
Flannery emerged as the top candidate among six interviewed over the Memorial Day weekend, said city spokesman Ross Hilker. “The council decided to move quickly, and he was their pick,” Hilker said.
Perry VanDeventer resigned as city manager Aug. 31, 2006, over questions of preferential treatment by former Police Chief Brian Hebbard during an investigation of driving incidents involving VanDeventer and his wife.
Hebbard resigned in January.
VanDeventer and his wife, Cindy, attended a Christmas party on the night of Dec. 17, 2005, and drove a 2004 sport utility vehicle owned by Commerce City but used by VanDeventer.
VanDeventer’s vehicle apparently was backed into a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier parked directly behind the VanDeventers, causing $2,323 in damages, according to prosecutors. The couple did not stop or leave a note, saying they never felt the impact.
“We just don’t have sufficient evidence to charge anyone with hit and run,” Adams County District Attorney Don Quick said.
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
