Coconut Creek commission OKs independent review after Vice Mayor Railey requests probe of allegations

The Coconut Creek City Commission on Thursday agreed to retain an independent investigator to review repeated public allegations concerning Vice Mayor Jackie Railey.

Vice Mayor Jackie Railey asked the commission for a third-party review during the public portion of the meeting. City Attorney Terrell Piebourn recommended retired Judge Tom Lynch, noting Lynchs experience on the bench, work as a certified mediator and prior service on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee. Piebourn said Lynch told staff he could likely complete the work "rather swiftly," and that his hourly rate would be paid at the same level the city pays outside counsel.

Commissioners emphasized that the scope is limited to Raileys conduct as a sitting city commissioner and explicitly would not include actions tied to her role with the Windmore Condominium Association or other private matters. Piebourn said Lynch would need to "look at everything" related to the allegations but that the review should be coordinated by the citys public safety adviser rather than by Piebourn to avoid any perceived conflict.

Vice Mayor Railey requested the review and told the commission she welcomed an inquiry. At the meeting she asked the commission to "direct our city attorney to hire an independent third party to look into any allegations relating to my role as a commissioner." Commissioners then voiced support: a consensus was recorded to proceed and staff said Lynch had estimated he could complete the review in about 30 days depending on scheduling.

Commission discussion clarified the funding and narrow limits of the investigation. Piebourn said the investigator would be paid by the city at rates comparable to outside counsel; at the meeting staff quoted an hourly rate of $550 for the investigator. Commissioners and members of the public debated which staff member should act as the liaison; several commissioners suggested the newest attorney in the city attorneys office or the public safety adviser to avoid any appearance of partiality.

Public comments during the meeting were strongly divided. Multiple residents rose to publicly support Railey, citing long volunteer experience and local accomplishments; other speakers raised concerns about campaign-related statements and requested that the city follow appropriate investigative steps. The commission instructed staff to proceed with procuring the independent investigator and to limit the review to official acts while Railey served on the commission.

The commission did not take a formal roll-call vote on hiring outside counsel at this meeting; rather, members expressed verbal agreement and staff proceeded to pursue retention under the direction agreed by the commission.