No Sunshine Regulation violations had been discovered following an investigation by Monroe County State Legal professional Dennis Ward’s Workplace into the resignation and subsequent, council-approved severance bundle with then-manager Rob Cole.
An inquiry by Ward’s workplace was initiated shortly after public scrutiny was heard over the occasions resulting in Cole’s resignation. Throughout a Jan. 7 assembly, Cole introduced his intentions to depart from the village supervisor publish. Following public remark, and remarks and questions from Councilman Steve Friedman, the council voted 4-1 to approve a separation settlement with Cole, who acquired a little bit greater than $100,000 between base compensation, housing allowance, trip go away payout, 401k contributions and medical insurance advantages. Friedman was the lone “no” vote.
Friedman particularly questioned the method during which Cole’s resignation got here to be, and whether or not it was finished in personal. He voiced points over the best way Village Legal professional John Fast had “polled” the council members. He additionally requested his fellow council members in the event that they initiated the proposal, and in that case, why the resignation was pursued.
Fast denied polling the council and refuted Friedman’s statements. Council members denied initiating Cole’s separation and committing any Sunshine Regulation violations.
Friedman additionally questioned why a radical investigation wasn’t carried out in regard to a workers criticism towards Cole. For the reason that separation with Cole, council members have accredited new procedures when complaints are lodged by a workers member towards the village supervisor, legal professional or a council member.
Ward’s workplace performed a radical investigation by subpoenas and interviews with Cole and council members. Mobile phone logs, emails and name information had been additionally obtained and reviewed.
The investigation was in the end closed out with no proof of any Sunshine Regulation violations dedicated by council members.
On April 10, the village council voted unanimously to rent Ron Saunders as village supervisor.
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