Title
Resolution to Publicly Release Redacted Report of Investigation by Attorney Sheldon Stark Dated July 31, 2019
Memorandum
A redacted version of the report should be released to the public as recommended by the Council Administration Committee.
Staff
Reviewed by: Stephen K. Postema, City Attorney
Body
Whereas, The public is aware of certain underlying text messages from the former Human Resources Director which resulted in an investigation by an outside attorney;
Whereas, The City engaged attorney Sheldon Stark to perform professional legal services in the form of an independent, third-party neutral review and investigation on May 22, 2019;
Whereas, This engagement included providing a written Report for the benefit of the City Administration Committee and the City Council -- and this Report was provided to the City Council on July 31, 2019;
Whereas, The Report was intended to address any knowledge by City Administration staff about violations of City employment practices by the former Human Resources Director;
Whereas, It is in the public’s interest to be made aware of the conclusions of the Report as well as the general outcome of the investigation;
Whereas, The Council Administration Committee’s has recommended that the City Council provide a limited waiver of any attorney-client privileged information or confidential attorney work product contained in the Report, so that the Report is released with appropriate redactions related to privacy, individually identifying information, the integrity of the Investigation, and matters related to litigation or legal claims; and
Whereas, The City Council has received a redacted version of the Report;
RESOLVED, The Stark Report’s conclusions as well as a redacted version of the body of the report shall be made public and posted on the City’s website.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor and Councilmembers Lumm, Eaton, Griswold, Grand