The board read into the record a response from Wallace Dietz, writing on behalf of Mayor John Cooper (referenced as Mayor O’Connell in the letter text) about the independent investigation into the Garrett Davidson complaint. Dietz wrote that the mayor shares the board’s frustration with the lengthy review, now more than 14 months, but that the delay stemmed from ensuring Butler Snow — the independent law firm conducting the investigation — had “unrestricted access to documents and witnesses while not interfering with the prosecution for alleged conduct unrelated to Mr. Davidson’s complaint.”
Dietz wrote that the district attorney’s office participated in discussions to allow the investigation to proceed without impeding prosecution and that he understood the Butler Snow review was “nearing conclusion.” He invited the board to raise any ongoing questions or concerns.
Why it matters: The board had pushed for a timely update on the 61‑page complaint and noted the protracted timeline and the costs of an extended inquiry. The mayor’s office response indicates coordination with the district attorney to balance the independence of the civil review with criminal prosecutions.
Board action: The board voted to accept the mayor’s letter for the record and to include it in the case file for future reference, noting the response should be preserved in case of future legal proceedings.