At the conclusion of an executive session on Oct. 14, Sedona City Council announced it had voted to authorize an independent investigation into harassment complaints involving municipal leadership and to release a statement about the investigation’s findings.

City Attorney Kurt told the public that the council had voted to “make the independent … harassment investigation from the harassment complaints from the mayor and the chief … tomorrow morning, and also authorized, a statement made to be made about the findings in a investigation.” Councilor Kinsella confirmed an additional motion to proceed with discussions regarding Judge Richard Spear as a potential magistrate applicant and to pursue a contract with him subject to further negotiation.

City staff said the independent investigation report would be available to interested parties by close of business on the day following the meeting. The council did not disclose investigative details in open session but reported the two formal items it authorized at the executive session: commissioning the independent harassment review and moving forward with discussions about a magistrate contract with Judge Spear.

What’s next: An independent investigatory report will be released per the council’s statement; staff will continue discussions with Judge Richard Spear about a magistrate contract.

Note: Because the underlying matters were discussed in executive session, the council conveyed only the formal motions and the fact of the investigation and discussions during open session.