FBI INVESTIGATING PUBLIC WORKS; STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AT LANCASTER SITE UNDER REVIEW.

Byline: Jim Skeen Daily News Staff Writer

FBI agents searched the Public Works yard Friday morning and took soil samples in an investigation of the storage and disposal of hazardous materials.

FBI agents also served subpoenas to Public Works Director Jeff Long and several other city employees. The agency apparently is looking into the disposal of toxics into a 6- to 8-foot deep pit on the northwest corner of the Public Works yard, 46008 7th St. W.

``We're looking forward to cooperating with them,'' said City Manager Jim Gilley. ``If there are procedures that need to be improved, we will do that.''

Officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation refused to discuss the probe, saying the warrants were sealed by a federal court order. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles also declined comment.

Operations at the yard have been scrutinized in the past by city officials when they investigated a former employee's allegations that Public Works Superintendent David Mulkey misused city property and employee time, drank on the job and improperly disposed of hazardous waste.

Mulkey, the Public Works Department's No. 2 official, will be suspended without pay for 15 days beginning Monday, officials said. Officials found evidence to support the allegation that Mulkey drank alcohol on the job, provided special assistance to certain employees who were up for promotions, made racial slurs and used poor judgment in purchasing a wet bar for his office. He also was reprimanded for not seeking permission to remodel his office.

The city's probe found no evidence that hazardous waste had been improperly dumped.

In his response to the city, Mulkey acknowledged drinking alcohol but denied making racial slurs.

Mulkey was hired by Lancaster in 1994 to help run the 97-employee department. Mulkey makes between $55,668 and $72,120 a year, records show.