Council presses for update on outside law-firm probe amid conflict questions
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Summary
Council members requested a status update on the Brough Law Firm investigation, asked for billing and completion estimates, and raised concerns after learning the investigator said he knew former City Manager Hassan Kingsberry; council members sought clarification and disclosure.
Council members on Sept. 25 pressed for an update on an outside investigation by the Brough Law Firm and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest after learning the investigator said he knew former City Manager and City Attorney Hassan Kingsberry.
Councilmember Sara M. Coffey asked for an update on the investigation and was told questions about the probe should be directed to Councilmember Geraldine Champion and Mayor Pro Tem Garry D. Daeke. Daeke said Mr. Al Andrews of the Brough Law Firm had sent some questions and that responses had been provided, but neither he nor Champion had yet received a final report. Councilmember Tami Walker requested that the City determine the current status of the Brough Law Firm bill and asked for an estimate of how much longer the report would take.
Councilmembers also questioned whether an investigative conflict could exist. Coffey asked about any relationship between Mr. Andrews and former City Manager Hassan Kingsberry. Mayor Melissa Elliott said that, during her interview with Mr. Andrews (with her personal attorney present), Mr. Andrews said he knew Mr. Kingsberry and had served on some of the same boards; that contrasted with a prior statement by Mr. Kingsberry in open session that he did not know Mr. Andrews. Councilmember Sam Seifert asked whether Andrews meant they knew each other personally or only knew of one another; the Mayor said Mr. Andrews had said they had served on some of the same boards. Champion and Daeke said they had received an email from Mr. Andrews indicating that any further work beyond the original scope would require an additional contract.
Councilmember Lamont Noel said he had located the Brough Law Firm via an internet search for a municipal law firm and that any potential conflict should have been disclosed; Champion said the firm Noel selected happened to have a prior connection with Mr. Kingsberry. The Mayor asked why Noel acted without asking the full Council; Noel denied holding secret meetings. Interim City Manager Paylor Spruill noted the City uses outside special attorneys as needed, citing the Kerr Lake Regional Water expansion project.
The council asked for the report, a status update and an estimate of remaining work; the minutes do not record receipt of a report or any final determination about conflicts or billing during the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 12:42 p.m.