Independent investigator says mayor’s‑report probe is active; preliminary public update due in January

Tyson Gaines of the Gaines Firm gave a public status update on the independent investigation into the mayor's July 2024 report. He said the investigation is active and that investigators have completed intensive follow‑up work but need additional cooperation from persons involved in drafting or administering the original report.

"The status of the investigation, it is active," Gaines told the council and said delays had been caused by limited access to key witnesses and documents. He proposed a two‑stage public delivery: a preliminary presentation in January 2026 and a final written report in February 2026, to protect the integrity of ongoing work while providing the public and the council with timely findings.

Gaines requested the council’s assistance in compelling cooperation from specific attorneys and outside consultants associated with the July 2024 report and said he would provide the city a list of interviewees and requested documents within seven days. Councilmembers agreed the firm should continue to meet its timeline and asked staff to put any necessary formal votes or compulsion requests on the first January agenda so the public can participate.

Next steps: Investigator Gaines will provide the list of persons he wants to interview and requested documents; council directed staff to plan for an agenda item to consider any formal actions needed to secure cooperation.