Forest Park council approves charter amendment limiting investigations by individual officials
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Summary
The Forest Park Mayor and Council voted to amend Section 2.15 of the city charter to require that investigations be authorized by the full governing body, while clarifying that employees may still speak privately with elected officials.
The Forest Park Mayor and Council on Sept. 2 approved an amendment to the city charter that restricts individual elected officials from conducting independent investigations into city operations, requiring instead that such inquiries be authorized by the governing body.
City Attorney (name not specified) told the council the change would reconcile a conflict in the charter between a provision that permits individual council members to question employees and another section that prohibits council members from directing city staff. "It would be essentially investigating, probing, asking questions to city employees about their day to day," the City Attorney said, adding that "it wouldn't prohibit the employee from going directly to a council member."
The council voted 4–0 to adopt the amendment. Councilwoman James moved to approve the change and Councilwoman Gunn seconded the motion; the roll call recorded votes in favor by Councilwoman James, Councilwoman Gunn, Councilman Gutierrez and Councilmember Akins Wells. The motion language before the council sought to revise section 2.15, "Inquiries and Investigations," of Article II of the charter.
Why it matters: The amendment formalizes the governing body's control over any official probe into municipal operations, limiting the authority of individual officials to initiate investigations. Supporters said the change resolves conflicting charter language and clarifies lines of authority; some council members voiced concern during discussion about ensuring employees remain able to report problems to elected officials.
Council members debated what the amendment means in practice. Councilmember Akins Wells asked whether the change would prevent employees from speaking to council members; the City Attorney responded it would not bar employees from approaching an elected official but would require a formal approval by the governing body before an official investigation is launched. Councilwoman James said she welcomed the amendment and looks forward to its passage.
The council cited state enabling law in the discussion: the agenda referenced OCGA 36-35-3, the Georgia statute authorizing municipal charter amendments. No specific implementation timeline was discussed at the meeting.
The amendment will appear on future agendas as required for final adoption and publication under state and local procedures.
