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Council forms working group and temporarily limits duties of council member amid investigation
Summary
The council approved formation of a working group to retain an independent investigator into allegations about Councilmember Lopez Chavez, and temporarily suspended several of Lopez Chavez's duties during the investigation; the first motion passed unanimously, the suspension passed with votes and two abstentions.
Council member Young moved to establish a working group (council members Carlson, Dugan and Wharton) to retain an independent investigator to examine allegations regarding Councilmember Lopez Chavez. The council approved the motion and set an anticipated timeline to conclude the investigation before the end of July, subject to adjustment.
A second motion proposed temporarily suspending certain duties of Councilmember Lopez Chavez while the investigation proceeded: conducting formal meetings, CRA leadership role, city-related travel, speaking on behalf of the council, and use of the communications budget to communicate about the investigation. That motion passed with five votes in favor and two abstentions; the transcript recorded the outcome as carrying with two abstentions.
Council members emphasized the desire for a fair process and for the working group to retain an independent investigator. The council recorded votes and abstentions on the temporary suspension measure.
What happens next: the working group will move forward with hiring an independent investigator and report back; suspension of specified duties remains in effect during the investigatory period.
