Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Investigation And Settlement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents criticize third‑party investigative report; council apologizes for shortcomings and approves $70,000 settlement in crash case
Summary
Multiple residents said an external investigative report contained errors and unredacted material, and a city official apologized for perceived shortcomings. Separately, council approved a $70,000 mediated settlement in a lawsuit over a collision involving an Edgewater police vehicle.
Public comment at the Feb. 24 council meeting returned repeatedly to a recently completed third‑party investigative report that several residents said contained inaccuracies and unredacted personal information.
Kimberly Penny told the council the report misrepresented her statements and that she had photographic and video evidence contradicting the investigator's account. "Your attorney should have advised you of that but didn't... Before I escalate this matter to the board of ethics, I'm giving you the opportunity to publicly correct the record and apologize," Penny said.
Robert Copeland, a city employee, said the report listed the wrong residence and released messages that should have been redacted; he said he contacted the investigator to obtain corrections. "I have a copy of the messages you referenced as well as photographic and video evidence supporting my statement," Copeland said.
Council members acknowledged public frustration with parts of the report and said the city "learned from our mistakes" and would improve internal handling in the future. The mayor apologized for elements of the report that residents said were inaccurate and said the body would review internal procedures and contractor selection.
Separately on the evening's consent and attorney reports, the city attorney summarized a mediated settlement in Garrett v. City of Edgewater, a bicycle‑vehicle collision that resulted in significant injuries to the plaintiff. Counsel said negotiation produced a settlement the city's insurers would pay: "Pursuant to the agreement, State Farm will pay the plaintiff $25,000; the city's insurance carrier would pay $50,000 plus his cost of the mediation," the attorney said. Council voted to approve the settlement.
Next steps: Council directed staff to pursue better internal procedures for third‑party reviews, to consult HR and the city attorney on data‑handling and redaction practices, and to report back on possible process changes; insurance carriers will effect settlement payments per the approved agreement.
