Eagle Mtn. staffer not targeted

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Rumors that Eagle Mountain's chief of staff Mike Wren is being investigated by the Utah County attorney and the sheriff's office are not true, County Attorney Kay Bryson said Friday.

"We are not conducting any investigation into Michael Wren in Eagle Mountain or anyone else in Eagle Mountain, except for Brian Olsen," Bryson said Friday. Olsen, the town's former mayor, recently resigned before charges of misusing public funds were brought against him.

Wren was placed on two-weeks' paid administrative leave by interim mayor Linn Strouse Wednesday night. Bryson said he was not previously aware of that action.

The Utah County Sheriff's Office is also not doing an investigation into Wren's services to the town, according to Sgt. Jason Randall, who is assigned to cover Eagle Mountain.

After an emergency city meeting was called Thursday night to hear city staff concerns about Strouse's decision, Strouse made a statement that she would give more information about her decision in a closed-door executive session of City Council members. Strouse also alluded to a citywide audit into the city's finances but made no direct connection to Wren.

"As mayor, it is my responsibility to encourage this (audit) to ensure the city's financial transactions comply with state and federal law," Strouse said. "Transparency ensures accountability."

Wren was not available for comment.

Wren was hired by Olsen as the chief of staff and public works director in April.

Strouse said she did not attend Thursday's special session because, at an earlier staff meeting, she pledged to respond to staff members' questions at a later time. Strouse said she and the staff agreed that staff members would prepare a written list of questions that she would submit to the city attorney for approval, then answer.

City Council members said they were surprised and confused by Strouse's decision to place Wren on paid administrative leave. Strouse was chosen by a 3-2 vote on Oct. 21 to be interim mayor until Nov. 14, when a new mayor will be selected by the council.

"(Strouse) had issues with mayor Olsen when he was in office, and she cited that he was a poor communicator," councilwoman Heather Jackson said. "So, she gets in office and starts conducting investigations and doesn't keep the council involved. None of us were aware that she was going to put Mike Wren on leave. So I would have to say that she's a poor communicator."