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Arvada council authorizes second ethics investigation into Councilmember Sharon Davis
Summary
In a special meeting April 28, the Arvada City Council voted 4–2 to authorize retention of a third‑party investigator and outside counsel to pursue newly reported facts that city staff say could constitute violations of the Arvada Code of Ethics involving Councilmember Sharon Davis.
The Arvada City Council voted April 28 to authorize the retention of an outside investigator and outside counsel to pursue a second inquiry into alleged facts concerning Councilmember Sharon Davis.
Ms. Morris, a city team representative, told the council the city first authorized an outside investigator on Feb. 3 and on April 8 staff received additional information that, if proven, "may be a violation of the city's code of ethics found in chapter 2, Article 8 of the Arvada City Code" and therefore requested authorization under Arvada City Code Section 2‑378.
Councilmember Mike Griffith and Councilmember Bill Levison said they would prefer the findings of the first investigation be released before starting a new probe. In response, city legal counsel Mr. Hoffman recommended proceeding with the second investigation now, arguing a quick investigation could be handled together with the earlier matter and that releasing the first report could prejudice due process. "Ultimately, this is your decision, but my recommendation would be to actually authorize the investigation into the second claim," he said.
Following discussion, the motion to authorize retention of a third‑party investigator and outside counsel passed 4–2, with Councilmembers Levison and Griffith dissenting. The council had earlier voted 6–0 to excuse Councilmember Sharon Davis from part of the meeting.
The council took no further business at the special meeting and then opened the scheduled workshop on solid waste and recycling.
Next step: staff will proceed with the investigator and outside counsel retention and return to the council with any required updates or administrative outcomes as the city code proceedings permit.
