Good evening. Welcome to the Admin and Finance Committee meeting. Start with introductions. You on the bottom. Thank you. Chair miscarry in Danielson District 14. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Roberts has worked for. Thank you, MR. And the District 15. Thank you, counselor Councilor Chris Tucker, Leno District, 11 West side. John Barth representing District 7 on a district. 22. MARCH Air Brian Mowery District. 25, thank you. MR. Chaired their Cahill District. 23. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN district 24. Thank you. MR. Chaired and Boots, District 3 northeast side. Good evening, Maggie Bliss. Good Evening. Frank Miscue District 19. We have a few counselors or guest who like
to so. Thank you. CHAIRMAN. Scary Councilor Jared Evans representing District 17. Thank you, MR. Cerda Carlos Perkins District 6, thank you. MISTER Chair Brian Delaney district 2, thank you. CHAIRMAN Jessica McCormick District 16. I open it up of a statement. Good evening again. Tonight's meeting is the goal is to provide a safe and proactive space for the survivors and to share their experiences. Our meeting will begin with the testimony. From the survivors represented by of representative followed by reconsideration, reconsideration proposal. One 64 6 in 6, 7, Provide legal we provide legal funds. The related to the council's investigation committee. The
council is working to answer some of the additional questions as we finalize the businesses with the Fern. So. Public testimony will be limited to 2 minutes as we focus on today's meeting and hearing from the survivors also respectively. Respectively. We asked someone who has already made a point similar to yours that you refrain from repeating the points that were made to ensure conversation evening, reject the possible. If you plan to speak, please sign up the podium. And front of the room in. At the conclusion public testimony, we were
entertained comments from the members of the committee. Thank you. First step is Davis and Ted's. Co-founder of the National Women's Defensively. Representing survivors to the joint statement. Welcome. Thank you, Thank you so much. MISTER CHAIRMAN. CHAIRMAN And committee members. My name is Emma Davidson trades and I'm the executive director of the National Stefan Sleek, a national non-partisan organization dedicated to preventing and addressing harassment and protecting survivors. The national defense conduct in-depth research proposes policy solutions to address harassment and works directly with leaders in states across the country to advance reforms. One of our top priorities is addressing workplace harassment in government and political
spaces. I'm speaking to you this evening at the request of 7 survivors of harassment in the Indianapolis government to address the issue of workplace harassment and the systemic failures that continue to perpetuate harassment of political workspaces. Not only in Indiana but across the country. Our ongoing research abuse of power examines the prevalence of harassment specifically in state legislatures. The findings are staggering since 2013, there have been over 400 documented incidents involving 145 sitting legislators nationwide. And because an estimated 85% of survivors never filed formal complaints. These figures represent only a
fraction of the full scope. The same contributors and resulting trends are also seen at the municipal levels of government. Our research shows harassment, political workspaces is often open secret among staff lawmakers in turns and others. It is not a partisan issue. Lawmakers from both parties have been accused in nearly equal measure of the 145 elected officials identified in our research. 51% or Republican. 49% are Democrats. 96% of publicly accuse sitting legislators are men underscoring and during gendered power imbalances. Due to inadequate policies, processes and infrastructure. When survivors do seek help, they typically risk their livelihoods face retaliation on multiple fronts and experience flawed
investigations were political gamesmanship and conflicts of interest, inhabit inhibit safety and justice. Harassment government workspace is waste. Taxpayer dollars undermines effectiveness of government and drives talented people, especially women and mark and marginalized individuals out of public service. The harassment uncovered in Indianapolis government as part of a national systemic problem. And the challenge isn't adequately addressing the issue are disturbingly typical the result of lacking infrastructure, effective safeguards and codified best practices. This process has revealed institutional shortcomings that discourage survivors from coming forward left unaddressed. Sends a dangerous message that workplace safety is negotiable and accountability is conditional. People of Indianapolis deserve a government with the ability to respond thoughtfully fairly and without political self-interest. When mistakes
come to light, when the government has failed to provide a safe workplace, survivors a commitment to reforming the broken systems that allowed the abuse to happen. This moment demands integrity, humility and decisive action. We urge this council to evaluate not only on how this situation was handled, but the broader system that enabled it, that means reexamining not just complaint procedures but workplace cultures. Prevention measures, unbiased investigation. Oversight survivor support and public transparency. With harassment comes to light. It is a true test institutional leadership. One measured by the institutions willingness to confront the systemic issues, not just for those who have come forward, but those who
have yet not felt safe to do so. And the research is undeniable on this front, there are almost certainly others who have not felt safe to do so. The its defend Lee commends the council for the steps of his pledge to take so far, including creating an independent branch of human resources, focused on harassment, discrimination related complaints, establishing a commission of subject matter experts to evaluate current policies, identify gaps and implement best practices and requiring all city and county employees undergo annual harassment training. Strongly recommend that this training be trauma informed and address power dynamics and bystander intervention. We also asked the council to take additional action, including enacting strong whistleblower protections to she'll survivors and witnesses from retaliation and provide access to legal emotional,
professional support. And ensuring transparent reporting while protecting survivor anonymity on harassment complaints training, participation and accountability efforts. This information should be publicly accessible and regularly updated. You have an opportunity to do more than manage a crisis. You can help dismantle the systems and culture that allowed it to occur instead of remaining part of this national problem, Indianapolis could choose to lead putting integrity over political expediency. Applaud the steps you've taken to prevent and address harassment. And we urge you to take further action survivors now and those who you do not are depending on you to lead with courage, integrity and transparency. The national as stands ready to support your
efforts and is grateful to the survivors for their courage and strength. We appreciate your time and appreciation today. I have now also been asked to stand in as a proxy for 3 survivors and their statements. So this is from Caroline Ehlert. Daniel case from Fisher Phillips. First contacted me 2/12/2025, nearly 3 months after the city council, the city County Council selected Fisher Phillips to conduct this investigation. It was immediately uncomfortable because there did not seem to be any urgency to preserve evidence or create a thorough report. The sure Phillips also did not answer any of my questions, relate through my attorney about the investigation's scope or timeline for what would be shared with the public given
that I was once again voluntarily sharing very personal details about the incredibly traumatic time of my life. The refusal to disclose did not make me feel safe. I feel the same as at the same as when I first reported toms Cooks up, use. This was a process slanted against me. Nevertheless, I participated in the investigation with the hope that it would promote accountability and help create a new and effective system of reporting. I shared many of the same concerns to Fisher Phillips that I had previously expressed to Mayor Hogsett and Mike Terrill from the Taft law firm in Twenty-twenty 3. When I first reported. The city's existing systems clearly failed evidence by the fact that my investigation was 3rd formal investigation into Cook's behavior. Even if the 2 previous investigations
somehow satisfied minimal requirements, they did not prevent cooks behavior from continuing in the workplace. A new system of reporting was urgently needed. I told Mayor Hawks at this in SEPTEMBER 2023, but it was not until the summer of 2024. That I became aware of any updates to the city had made to the existing harassment policies. The city made those updates only after 3 of us took took our stories public and demanded change open letter to the mayor and council PRESIDENT Silly. My conversation by Terrell included discussion of Cooks role in an outside contractor with the city. And my concerns about his continued contact with city employees. Terrell told me that there was nothing
the city could do if a city contractor was harassed by a city employee. Given the number of external contractors who interact with city employees on a daily basis. This seems like a huge, an unacceptable threat to city workers. It did not believe himself maintained appropriate boundaries. A Fisher Phillips, multiple examples, including when the mayor commented on a photo of the 2 of us and when he pleaded with me to give him an unspecified advice. Late at night after interrupting a work-related conversation to talk about poetry. The latter in particular made me uncomfortable because Cook also frequently sent me poetry, especially in the early days when his actions first began crossing professional boundaries. I never expressed an interest in poetry to the mayor and it was
not at all relevant to our conversation. I told a colleague that night that the mayor had 70 those messages. They MAY be uncomfortable. I also told Fisher Phillips that they made me uncomfortable. I also told Fisher Phillips multiple times that I specifically use the term assault. When I spoke to the mayor about Cook's behavior, I reaffirm the sta Fisher Phillips verbally and in writing. When I reported my assault, the city I was not referred to resources. I was not refer to legal or social services for assault victims the future. When a former or current city employee report assault to the city of Indianapolis, a series of action should be triggered to support the survivor and direct them to services, including legal support, especially if the perpetrator is a city employee. These concerns were not included in
the Fisher Filip support. Fisher Phillips refused my request to receive the port ahead of time. As a result, I had no idea which is a very personal details that I voluntarily shared with. Fisher Phillips would be included until the final report was released to the public. Fact, to this day, no one from the city council or Fisher Phillips has ever given me a copy of the final report. Instead, a journalist sent it to me. I do not know what the official scope of Fisher Phillips investigation was because they would not tell me. But I believe the council would agree that the city of Indianapolis is responsibility extends far beyond simply not breaking the law. The city has a moral responsibility to protect its employees. The Fisher Phillips report fails to grasp. How important is to have a better response to reports of assault assault. But even more painful on a
personal level. The report completely fails when it explicitly deny that I had even use the term assault. Let me be perfectly clear. I told Mayor Hawk Seth Corporation counsel, my former colleague and my trail that I had been sexually assaulted. I also told Fisher Phillips i specifically use the term assault when I first reported it to the mayor in 2023. Red of inciting this in the final report that feel it's just a credit mayor Hawks. Recollection of the conversation, not mine. I don't have the words to express how dismissive that feels. I've heard violence described as one of the most confusing forms of abuse experiencing assault, assault or way. My sense of safety reporting it left me feel even more vulnerable and alone. But I did not expect to have my
experience undermined or belittled. And that's exactly what the official report. Phillip reports did. I'm uncertain that positive change will result from this throughout his 6. This experience, people in powerful positions have expressed more concerned with with the way survivors choose to share what happened to us than what actually happened to us. This process should be about protecting survivors, not people in power. Both the process and the report of the process have failed. The Fisher Phillips report was re traumatizing to me writing the statement is re traumatizing, but I keep sharing my story in the hope that other survivors MAY feels heard seen and validated. Keep sharing my story in the hope that other survivors feel less alone. The next statement I have is from DeAndre Parker. I'm a former city of Indianapolis employee, a proud black man and a former
member of asked me local 7.25 Loren Roberts stepped up to speak during the city Council meeting on JUNE 9th hole to fill the familiar sense of dread. I believe the long-awaited report about Mayor Joe Hogsett administration is hiding serious issues and what I witnessed that day deeply concerned not only about that report but about what might happen next with my own claims against the city's Department of Public Works and its leadership. I sat in the front row supported by my family and a former co-worker who also experienced harassment from the department's leadership. As Lauren Roberts begins speaking, she was interrupted by Council Majority Leader Maggie Lewis who cut her off to clarify something about the topic that moment shocked me. It felt like the council didn't want her to speak at
all. She tried to continue but was interrupted again this time by council PRESIDENT Bob Fosse, who's called for by the wrong name, dismissed her remarks as a relevant. This happened 2 minutes speaking time ticked away. She tried to clarify her comments comments related to propose this month. 64 in reference, Fisher Phillips, but also appeared in patients and tilted. Hurry In that moment, it became clear the council didn't seem interested in hearing what you have to say. This Roberts or her ground. But what followed was alarming during her marks, MISS Roberts and her supporters were physically attacked. I saw sheriff's deputies failed to protect not just her, but the public in the room. One deputy nearly shoved a protester in to me
and my former co worker that close call could have resulted in serious injury and yet no one acted like our safety mattered. The message I received from the council PRESIDENT Was clear even in public forum, your voice can and will be silenced. He knew the cameras were rolling. He knew Indianapolis residents were watching still his actions made one thing plane. Our concerns aren't valued. Not if they disrupt the status quo. Not if they call out power. I came to that meeting to support Ms Roberts and others and to speak about proposal. One 69, I came to share my own story. My painful experience working at 17. 25 Southwest rate within the Department of Public Works. I arrive scared with my family's encouragement. I was ready to speak up. MISS Roberts and her supporters were removed from the building. I froze. I felt
like I was back at West Street surrounded by the same power that once left me voiceless. I started thinking about the therapy that I'd undergone for the past 3 years working hard to heal from what I endured. And I wondered with speaking now and do all of that, the fear was real. Watching another survivor get dismissed and pushed out, triggered something deep. I had a speech prepared, but I couldn't give it. She'll owe share it now. I want to start by bringing your attention to something important regarding this budget amendment. The city recently spent $450,000 to protect the mayor's office during the scandal instead of addressing the real issues with the administration, they're now looking to spend an additional 300,000 under proposal. One 69 for further investigations. But where does that leave me? I became permanently disabled by working for the city and
instead of receiving support, I faced retaliation and was fired because of my disability and many fabricated reasons. I filed grievances submitted medical documents. Asked for help and even provided recorded evidence of my situation. Nobody listened to me, not my own union asked me local 7.25 Not the dp dpw Supervisor City hr or the city benefits. Administrator. No one looked into my case. There was no funding for my support and there was no accountability for what happened to me. There are serious claims coming from other victims, many of whom are white women presenter tonight. Unfortunately, their experiences have not been taken seriously and their voices have been dismissed. The situation is just the beginning of a much larger problem. There are many issues
with this administration affecting everyone from the top leaders down to the regular employees like me. The less those of us on the ground too often don't get the chance to share stories are the ones who really feel the impact of these issues. So I ask you this. Why does the city spent nearly half a million dollars to invest 8 to investigate claims when they involve senior officials but not a single dollar to look into the civil rights violations reported by a city employee like me, especially when I have documentation to back it up. All anyone wants is to be treated with respect and dignity so we can move from being victims to victors. I share this now because I know that others are watching others who have stayed silent out of fear. I say to them your story matters and to the leaders of the city, the time for protecting powers that power over people is over. And the final statement I've been asked to read is from Lauren
Roberts. Since council PRESIDENT Vop a silly ordered sheriff's deputies to assault me last Monday evening as well as my friend Ali struck in several of our own constituents who are there to support survivors. I have not been okay already navigating what was diagnosed years ago is complex, post-traumatic stress disorder ptsd due in part to the abuse endured. But from Thomas Cook and Mayor Joe Hogsett and its aftermath, I've had some of the darkest days of my recovery in the last week. The first time I experienced suicidal ideation was the spring of 2015. When I started to work. When I started work for Mayoral campaign was dealing with Thomas Cook on a regular basis. I wanted to die throughout this process of trying to come forward about abuse first from trying to contact the mayor in MAY of 2017 to sound the alarm about
cook to time the Indiana Democratic Party told me to refer any further communication to their attorney that fall to posting on social media over many, many years and still not being believed. I also wanted to die after going on the record with 2 other survivors of cooks abuse last summer, I wanted to die when it became clear last fall, the council leadership, including PRESIDENT, a silly Vice PRESIDENT Ali Brown, an ethics Committee chair Jessica McCormick. We're trying to manipulate survivors for their own political gain. I wanted to die at many points throughout the so-called independent investigation. That council paid Fisher Phillips to conduct a re traumatizing victim blaming process that we now know was interfered with in the immediately manipulated. The PRESIDENT Silly on behalf of Mayor Hogsett behind the
scenes. I wanted to die last summer when I called in to the investigative committee meeting to big chair with CHAIRWOMAN Chris Tucker Leno to make the report available to survivors before allowing Fisher Phillips to continue the public presentation ripping us and our stories apart. I was ignored both publicly and in private messages to her throughout the evening. And means this to say this last week has been very, very difficult. Last Monday. Most of you sat there and watched as your colleague had me assaulted by law enforcement. I thank those deputies over and over to stop touching to stop putting their hands on me to stop period. I tried to move my body to protect myself and get away from their grips and jobs. One deputy, the one who told me in a low voice to walk like a lady, grabbed my left, my left upper arm so hard that he left a dark Bruce, which I discovered later that night. Another pulled my hair and
push my head forward. As you'll hear in the audio that m a my proxy will play for you in a moment. I fell apart soon as my friend Alice and I were in the elevator going down to the first floor. You'll hear me crying remark that I hadn't been grad like that since the last time I was assaulted. I spent the last week dealing with see ptsd symptoms that are now far worse than they've been in many years. Terrifying, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, aching, joints, intense nightmares and very little sleep. I am not okay. Witnesses can have paid work because of what happened. This council's assault in the last Monday also impacted my family. Everyone I love has lost sleep since it happened. My mom is scared for my physical safety and sick with worry. I was in too much pain, too. Exhausted to 10. My nieces. 3rd birthday party last Saturday. They rarely see my family and it broke my
heart not to be there. My little niece noticed my absence. Over the weekend, she asked her dad about why her auntie, Lauren didn't come to her party. I cry every time I think about it. I missed out on holding my sisters and a baby. I lost precious time with the people I love because what if this council has done to me? Coming forward about Hawks within the Thomas Cook's abuses cost me everything. Eu Council have made it far worse. I'm not ok, and I don't know if I ever will be. I'm no longer willing to put my safety and well-being at risk to help you do your jobs. I've done more than enough to make that easier for you. You can review them any public statements I made or documentation posted to substack which I provided to Philip Fishers, Fisher Phillips during the investigation. You're welcome. Have we have another moment.
My name is Lauren Roberts. I worked for Joe had 6 first mayoral campaign from NOVEMBER 2014. I quit in JUNE 20 team that's what we're talking about. Just restart us. Just time for college believe there's a short clip. Sorry. Would it be better? He takes eu's microphone. That that might My name is Lauren Roberts. I worked for I think this is going to work better. We're just going to die. You pull the mic down and turned switch. It's an audio clip outside of a cent. On tax first mayoral campaign from NOVEMBER 2014. I quit in JUNE
20 that's what we're talking Things my time restart. the time for cars I'm first survivor who tried to come forward about Thomas Cook beginning more than 80 years ago in MAY of 2017 today live in Denver. I time off of work in Crowdfunded from friends, family and community members. Honored to be tonight. Islam is the first time that you the council are actually listening to a shameful this council's Democratic caucus members with the exception of York now, former member council just 2 pounds silenced and refused to listen to me outside of manipulative backroom conversations intended to manage survivors keep out of your way and your political agenda, please run. That going
do anything Vo 6, 4, to on I do. That's the investigation out her. I'm going to take my time. I've spent many this you're welcome to have all that ice terrace that I'm going to take my time I'll be when I'm done and you can sheriff's. Needs my last name is Robert Santo. You're what you're calling Allison is Thank you. Please stop micromanaging the scientists, bank you. This comes Democratic caucus members. With the exception of your now, former member council just about silence in refused to listen to be outside of Commerce, Asians intended to manage survivors. And keep us out of the way of your political agenda as recently as a few minutes ago, I had to
again learn from the media about House Democrats statement and proposed next Council PRESIDENT Also vice PRESIDENT, Ali Brown. I Think's Committee CHAIRMAN Jessica McCormick and Most recently Investigative Committee, Charlie Crist are calling his actions. Tell me that you always been less interested in getting to the truth. Users accountable than protecting your home power and abusers like Delhi says you Meanwhile, the Republican I am not Meanwhile, the Republican members of this council continue to use survivors and stories as political do explaining us just as much as the Democrats to further your own agenda and accumulate powers aside from the fact that this is explaining I your hands.
Stop stop I do not want I do not touch stop. Not time return. Not tied concert. Same It's not If you have a That's really embarrassing Not. Touching me. It's time. Selling stock touching, not touching you. Get your mind off of Stopped. Not not leaving. Like a lady talked like a lady. You can yourself. You not. You're not outcome little later. Do not touch me. And they are so fun things to it via incredibly Benson actually. Time. If they want call reading outside interference to treating searing them. We're
going I just talked to very is that think you design. They have so much. I had a recurring about the I worked for Joe Hogsett Sparrow NOVEMBER 2014 until i quit in JUNE 2015 the first survivor. In trying to come forward about Thomas could be getting more than 8 years ago in MAY of 2017. I live in Denver. Family and community members order to be here doesn't make sense now that I'm not in front of But this moment is the first time that you the council are actually listening to wasn't. And that's shameful councils Democratic caucus members. With exception of your now, former member council just the round of silence to refuse to listen to me. If you have or stations intended to manage survivors and keep us out of the way of
their political agenda. Us recently. As a few minutes ago, I had to learn from the media council sent statement of proposed next steps and council PRESIDENT Van, possibly Vice PRESIDENT Ali Brown Ethics Committee CHAIRWOMAN Jessica McCormick, and Most recently Investigative Committee CHAIRMAN Chris Tucker Lina's actions. Tell me that you always been less interested in getting to the truth and holding abusers accountable. And protecting your own power and abusers. Like Joe Hart When while the Republican members of this council continue to use survivors and our stories as a political exploiting us just as much the Democrats to further your own agenda and accumulate power aside from the fact that this is exploiting, as I certainly do not consent to being used as a talking point by politicians just for an educated rapist in the White until Republican Council members are ready to support
and protect all survivors, which includes and documented survivors, transgender survivors, black and brown survivors, indigenous survivors, Palestinian survivors, survivors who need abortions and the women raped and abused by Donald Trump just to name a few. I just respectfully request that you keep my name and my story out of your I'm 37 years I grew up in Fort Wayne Dyess School in Carmel and graduated from Iu's Kelley School of Business in Bloomington, a college senior. I interned for Senator Evan by in Washington, D.C., and health, a full-time policy roles for other U.S. Senate Democrats in my early When I Hawks as first campaign for mayor, I was 26. Idealistic until the sense that you need to be a positive force in my community. Despite fully more progressive use that he that, that I believe to Joe Hogsett and I thought the work
mattered. Share these details. Details so that you the council might realize that my background was not unlike many of yours when a train Joe Hogsett campaign is deputy campaign manager and 2014 minutes. If I could tell my younger self with Johansson and he's been campaign manager Thomas Cook are about to coming through. I would tell him to run away and don't look back. And the abuse from Hudson and Cook was horrific to go through in the aftermath is what is still in 2 and a half years for me. Does anybody have issue? Literally can't read. Thank you. From the first moment I tried are important in 2017 to right now. I've been forced to carry the burden of what was done to of past. I did not Since going on the record in the press with 2 other survivors last
summer every step in this process. You the council even when your intentions MAY have been no match away to the harm that survivors continue to experience. I'm certain that you're careless is a refusal to find the truth about our cases. And a trauma survivor Senate way had discourage other survivors for asking for help for coming forward report earlier today. For example, account surprise call for the release of text messages that we survivors turned over to attorney Daniel k's and her team at Fisher Phillips in the Springs and hopes that the firm with properly investigate. Of course, we all know now that the council's investigation firm Fisher Phillips was a nearly half a million dollar political performance extension of abuse at the taxpayers expense
Nevertheless, at the time we survivors participated voluntarily but not without sacrifice over the last 10 months, we survivors have paid a price with our time, our money, our health and our well-being was excruciating for me to cooking hunt sense of uses a Rowlett road and pull together. 49 pages of a statement documentation, something I chose to do when it became clear that Daniel k's and her team Fisher Phillips would not agree to record interviews would not agree confidentiality and would not answer any of the questions posed our lawyer about the investigation's scope or timelines. It was also alarmed to learn that we would not be interviewed under oath after the report was released last I was even more disgusted that the committee chose not to use its subpoena power to compel Thomas Cook to
testify. As another survivor. And I told the star last week it's your Phillips a glaring omissions in favor of the mayor's version of events make sloppy errors with basic facts that we match up with overwhelming documentation and frequently and the most misogynistic way. Characterize survivor statement says claims while the mayor's for treated as Meanwhile, the Hawks administration retain fakery drinker to the tune of 40,000 taxpayer dollars to respond to the investigation is not lost on us that the fake returning on hand for Khan said was not given former corporation counsel as the Hogsett former
sets, former special counsel to Moriarty was married to counselor Brianda now holds a partner stake in the First-degree enjoys plenty of public contracts with the city of Indianapolis and make sizable political donations to hugs and many of you on this council. This is certainly not a coincidence So after all why would any other survivor trust the leaders of this city after what they see? My friend tonight go through especially as 2 white cisgender women who at one time had direct access to the mayor. Many survivors less power and privilege are certainly not going to have faith in the system or process a survivor's whistleblowers.
City workers and campaign staff to speak out about abuse are not the problem for the Democratic Party for this administration or for this council, abusers are the problem your constituents cannot afford for you to spend another moment wringing your hands are claiming that your role is limited to policy, making. If your positions are not neutral. And you acted on these on this months ago, other leaders might have felt empowered to speak up and commit to the much needed reforms. Not just in this building campaign infrastructure. Instead, we keep seeing you. The council make empty statements. Intrigued us. They're survivors simply trying to be like troublemakers at every
turn. Shame on Joe Hogsett cares only about protecting his own All done on to his power to bully the people around him and keeping his corporate donors happy. Indianapolis deserves a mayor who will show up and fight from public schools. And has neighbors for undocumented people for our most vulnerable community members. But instead he's choosing to fight again. Survivors whistleblowers, his own workers and those who support us. Johansson is corrupt, abusive and unfit to be mayor in any circumstances. But he is especially this time when every U.S. City urgently needs leaders was strong, moral character to protect us from the rising fascist takeover of our federal government. Unfortunately for Joe Hogsett. And for those of you on this council to continue to protect him for
your own benefit, a group of survivors, whistleblowers and community members who support as it is growing. We're made up of season communication. Professionals like me, community organizers, fundraisers and activists. We know what we're doing. We're very good at We're Joe Hogsett and his allies worst nightmare and we are not going Please stand on the right. His strict the right side of history with demand hogs that resign. We think this council for your time. Good evening. Members of City County Council. My name is Maggie items. Mcbride, I'm lucky enough to say that I'm in counselor, Andy Nielsen's district and I want to publicly thank him. Crews continued commitment to me both assists constituent and a former city employee. As many of you know, I recently made
the decision difficult decision to leave my position in the mayor's office. My departure was a direct result of my experience working here in this building. As you also know, the Fisher Phillips report was commissioned to aspects of workplace environment in hr policies. However, it is my considered opinion and the opinion of many who have experienced the realities of our current system that the fictitious Phillips report did not effectively evaluate nor did it adequately address the many critical gaps that currently exists in our hr policy regarding harassment and workplace conduct. These are precisely the gaps that I want to talk to you more about today and to propose concrete
solutions for your consideration. I understand that the personnel issues are often considered outside the scope of the counselors duties. And many of have expressed this perspective. However, I strongly urge you to reconsider. Workers are not only your constituents, but we are also the ones responsible for implementing many of the policies and budget allocations that you approve. Therefore, we workers are and always have been an integral part. Of your scope as counselors. Furthermore. While the Maryland Ministration. Like they have continued to say has been evaluating policies. The process is described to those of us, in involved short, we were told that they would collaborate with staff leadership around proposed suggestions and then
offer those suggestions to the mayor's office. Ultimately, however, the mayor would unilaterally decide which suggestions to adopt or reject this applies to internal working groups and recommendations from sources like degree. And Fisher Phillips. In my experience, a recommendation to the mayor often amounts little more than a suggestion. He is free to disregard entirely. These proposed policy updates are essential for 3 reasons. They priority one. They prioritize employee well-being and morale by addressing harmful behaviors like psychological abuse and misuse of power. Second, it a healthier workforce directly translates to increase productivity and improve talent. Retention. And finally, these updates represent a strategic
imperative for proactive risk mitigation, protecting tax taxpayer dollars and safeguarding the city council's city counties. Good name. I want also before I go into these address, it dangerous sentiment. The sometimes has surfaced in these discussions and that I've heard from many. We are claims that it used to be worse or things are just as bad in other places. I reject these claims as justification for inaction. Our standards must not historical in inadequacy, nor the lowest cannot common denominator of other municipalities. Our standard must be what is right. What is safe and what is fair for the dedicated people who serve Indianapolis. So how do we achieve these critical goals? First, we must clarify and broaden our
definition of harassment. The proposal expecially includes forms of psychological abuse and the abuse of power. Providing we should provide concrete examples that leave no room for ambiguity. Updating language should state that impact not just intent is the decisive factor when determining if harassment has occurred effectively eliminating victim blaming and focus on the harm caused. Next. We must strengthen reporting requirements and accountability for everyone from individual employees to our top leaders. All supervisors and managers. Reporting. Should report and any suspected harassment and it should be mandated. This ensures that those in leadership understand their non negotiable responsibility to act in report closing a
vital gap and accountability. We also need to establish more clear, transparent and fair investigative procedures which are cursed currently far to bag. All reports should promptly and thoroughly be investigated with an initial assessment within at least 3 business days. If there are credible safety concerns, the alleged sure harasser should immediately be placed on administrative leave to ensure a safe environment for the complaining. And impartial investigation. Beach, an impartial investigator should be us assign promptly and regular chain's parent update should be provided throughout the process. Another important condition is the implementation of an appeal process. Any party who believes an investigation's outcome was on just incomplete or flaw should have the right
to appeal based on new material evidence documented procedural error inconsistent procedure. Also, we should ensure that there's consistent Haggerty and impartiality this entire process. There should be independent audit of all harassment investigations. This is critical so that we are able to verify it here and says the policy findings and appropriateness of the corrective actions. Ensuring every dollar port is investigated fairly and without bias. Perhaps the most significant, essential at enhancement directly addressing crucial power dynamics at the highest level is the establishment of an independent oversight
mechanism specifically for elected officials in high-level appointed officials. This body will be complete should be composed of independent experts with no direct ties, the mayor's office or the city County Press Council, PRESIDENT Possessing the authority to investigate. Make findings and recommend or impose appropriate sanctions. We must also establish clear guidelines holding outside contractors, unaffiliated campaigns accountable. For upholding our anti-harassment policies when working on or behalf of members of this enterprise. This means their contracts and agreements should explicitly we incorporate our standards in any reported violations should be subject to the same investigation. Finally, we need to do more for proactive prevention. We should introduce informal consultation options with hr empowering employees to see confidential guidance, even if
they're unsure about a situation. We're not ready for a formal complaint. This allows for early intervention potentially resolving issues before they escalate. I believe, in my own case, I believe many of many of these things could have been dime early on to prevent the escalation that things reached. Counselors, these changes and suggested are more than just about having legal documents. It's a profound statement about our values as a city county, it's tangible commitment to every single city county employee and every citizen we serve that their government is serious about fostering a work place of respect, safety and accountability at every level, it directly addresses the shortcomings that these past investigations. It counters dismissive narratives and it
proposes to build a system. Surely designed to protect and empower those who have long been silence. I urge this distinguished Council to support these vital revisions and to move forward with implementing policy that reflects the highest standards of integrity and workplace conduct. You should all have a copy of these recommendations. Thank you. If you MISS Roberts is listening. Thank you for your testimony. Up next is proposal. One 64 concern. Yeah, of time. Sign up. Go ahead. When you get called on a little bit, going to discuss proposed one. 64 0st. MISTER Yeah. If you want to speak with Sine a MR. CHAIRMAN, a quick question is since we have a national expert here
and she's amenable. I had a question for her based on her experience nationally based on our experience or and if you're not a pro, you don't want to answer any questions of to you. And I want that all of to me, sir. Is that appropriate? I don't want to you're the CHAIRMAN. I just want the question I want to ask you, is you reference the reforms where considering and we just heard more that were being recommended. The thing vexing is that some of this comes down to culture and leadership right? And so I think everything that's been put on the table is all rational and all make sense. And we're proceeding with what we had recommended to us. Have from our position. How do you deal with this taxing issue of leadership? The creates the culture that fosters the kind of environment that we're talking about that. Trying to
head around what we can do about that. I appreciate the question. Thank you. I think the ongoing inconsistent components that have been discussed. Trainings the set expectations of what is proper behavior in the workplace. 8 easy to follow and clear reporting system for when those things are violated. That show consistent. Urgings and repercussions and then transparency of what that process looks like. If the system is broken down, if those things are invested in and supported on a consistent basis, I think you change the culture very quickly. And I would agree that one of the things that I've really been considering during this process is I've had long
career in the corporate world and seen bad behavior in a good culture and a good environment there's inappropriate harassing comments made in the meeting in the individual was terminated within an hour. I mean, that happened that fast because the culture of the enterprise was so dedicated to fostering and environmental good work was recognized and being an environment where people can work together effectively was managed. That when that those bounds were sent out. The response was quick and swift and everyone saw clearly that this is the environment we live in. I think that's what you're saying. A good strong corporate culture, enterprise culture in this situation
effectively. Takes all the structures that you're talking about in turns them into reality. But you still need effective leader at the top and my biggest concern and I referenced it directly is that the tone of the top here seems to me to have been to circumvent those circumstances. But i understand your point is the structure and the detail in place. Create the architecture of supporting a good corporate culture. It might correct or not? Yes, I think that's right. If the systems and processes and infrastructure and are in place and they are here to end vocally supported by those in leadership positions. Then I think you have a lot more people who will be participating in the process. Survivors coming forward is the first alert system that's telling you. There's a problem and that's the moment to step up and
listen and say. There's a problem we gotta go. 6 of our employees don't feel safe. It's not about gotcha moment. It's about we're recognizing there's an issue and we want to be a part of the solution fix it. That's right. And I just want to personally thank you for coming here today. And made the trip. I think the work that you've done tonight to help elevate the voices architecture. Like I said around what we're talking about and thinking about incredibly beneficial. So appreciative you being here. It's my pleasure. Thank you so much for your time. Scouts. Birth. Kendall was like to read statement before we take it and public comments. Before we open up Florida public comments we would like to remind committee members in public took a few ground rules so everyone can have a fair chance to speak and be heard.
It is important, that we observe each of the following rules. First, each peak will be limited to 2 minutes. Second, any public comment must remain. Must reasonably route be related to the agenda item under consideration. Speakers from straight from item under consideration or become repetitious MAY be axed. Move on to the next port point or conclude comments. Look, finally attendees will cause disruption that prevent the committee from proceeding through tonight. Agenda will will be reasonably will be removing or effective manner. Please remember that some types of 3rd and speech or enticement to violence are not protected by the First Amendment at all. We will do. We will deal with those issues if they come up. But we don't think they will. Thank you read the first 3 names can do?
Megan aldermen? Marseille. We Hartley. You have to learn Thank you. My name is Megan Alderman and concerned. Indianapolis resident, thank you for letting me speak tonight. The Fisher Phillips investigation leave so many questions. Why did they not use their counsel drive subpoena power to call? Thomas Cook the person at the center of this debacle. Why did they omit credible tax documentation and firsthand accounts from victims that were directly given to investigators? These glaring omissions and discrepancies call into question the validity of the entire investigation. I asked the Chicago law firm attend a public meeting or at the very least publicly address these
questions. Before we hand over $300,000 of hard-earned taxpayer money. Lastly, I call on all of you to search your conscience to look at the evidence and do what is right and calling for j-hawks. That's resignation. I know you do not have the power to directly force him to resign, but your words do have power. And speaking up in this instance and speaking up isn't always about getting the result that we want. What it's about. If we don't speak up, how it chips away at something within us. It takes away some of our own personal integrity. So I ask all of you, too, your conscience. Look at the evidence and be And I think you see the other councilors who have already come forward and done so. Thank you very much. Thank you. Hi, my name is Clifford. I was asked to read a statement from for
Murray hit hit c who is unable to turn tonight. I have experienced similar behavior as a state employee several different agencies as described tonight. I wasn't I was fortunate not to have this experience as a city county employee. But I I have witnesses behavior within the political campaigns and political room. It is kind consistently older men working with younger women taking advantage of power, dynamic and exhibiting toxic masculinity will exploiting the vulnerable. The vulnerability of staff afraid of losing their jobs. Add in had in the impact here of of elected officials and powerful people within the Democratic Party being participants in the behavior actively
concealing and enabling people. It seems that our officials are more interested in shielding predators and protecting their positions of power than protecting their constituents and the staff of the city County. Implementing their policies. The the immense failure of our elected officials. City County, human resources officials, policies and the party with each saying that is not my responsibility. The truth is that it's everybody's responsibility. The city county the city county can and vote on establishing and independent third-party legal investigative and human resources process using a trauma informed and survivors centered approach for the employees to report hostile
workplace harassment and harassment claims. This failure on so levels as Turner's the Democratic Party, their leadership, the city County Council and more my trust in leadership has been shattered. To be honest. How can I trust them to act in my best interest as a public servant? I got into 4 seconds. My trust in leadership has been shattered. How can I be To be honest, how can I trust the attack to my constituents to act to continue to be able to fight against the actions of administration on the national and state level. At this point, why should I trust our elected officials, local or state when they won't protect the people working on their behalf. Thank you. Bree had c. My name is Christina. And scared to be here. My wife and I and lived on the near
East side of Indianapolis for 20 years. 23 years. We have 2 children age 12 10 probably enrolled in I p s I am a visibly transwomen woman in Trump's America last Monday. When it became clear the council Sully was going to order the police to drag survivor. Lauren Roberts from the room. I stood up and I put my vulnerable body between her and those officers. I stood up for her because I know what it is like to be assaulted by a cop with a gun and 100 pounds on you. I know the terror of that moment. And then just like you all know and knew them that she did not deserve that. No survivor deserves that. While we were shoved groped and dragged out of that room, not a single one of you. Counselors did anything to
stop it. There's not a single. There was not a single person in that room who didn't know what the right thing to do was them. And there isn't a single person in this room now who doesn't know the right thing to do today. Remove Joe Hogsett from the party and the man he resigned as Mayor Sensor council Sully for is a poor order on Monday and remove him as council PRESIDENT Protect survivors. Established truly independent structures to ensure the city of Indianapolis and the campaigns of those running for office here are safe places to work. I'm asking you, begging you to find your courage to stand up for survivors and and the culture of abuse and impunity where powerful man like Joe Hogsett Thomas Cook and Greg Taylor are allowed to harass coheirs or abuse
without limit. Now is the time to find your courage. Now is the time to be the person you entered office to be. Now is the time to be the person you hope your children will remember you as when we stand up. We don't know that we will succeed. It's scary. We don't know that we will be safe for. That's just what standing up will cost us. But we do know that we have to And culture of impunity that hug up Trump and so many others. Perpetuated in this country. And today right now with us and with you now is your chance to stand to use your voice, your power, your talents and gifts to build a world where we are all safe, where we're all treated with the dignity, GOD imbued in
each of us. Thank very much. Yes, Bartolo Andrew Riley and lucky. Good evening. I stand before you tonight. Not just as a woman, but as a survivor and as a witness to the deep ongoing abuse of power by those elected to serve us, I share the weight of every woman who's ever stayed silent because telling the truth felt more dangerous than the abuse itself. Abuse by elected officials is not rare. It is not shocking. It is expected and it is tolerated. In my first government job at 22. I was sexually harassed repeatedly by elected prosecutors. They made crude jokes with me is the center. They touched me without my consent. While I was working. Made it clear that I was powerless. I stayed quiet like
so many women choose to. One of those men went on to become our state's attorney general. And only after harming others was he held publicly accountable. But the damage had already been done to me and to many others. This is not about one man. It's about a culture that protects abusers and punishes truth tellers. City councilors ignore our calls. They silence our voices. And one brave members speak up. They're punished. We saw it with Palestine. We saw with Warren, the woman who refuse to be silent. But let's be honest. If Lauren or any of us who stood beside her would have been black or brown, the backlash would have been even more vicious and more immediate. For women of color, the cost of truth comes even
steeper. Their pain is dismiss more quickly. Their voices silenced more violently. This is not about gender. This is not about race. It's about power. It's about a system that devours the most vulnerable to protect itself. When elected officials abuse their power, they must be removed. Full accountability with no exceptions. I demand the immediate resignation of Mayor Joe Hogsett and every official who has enabled abuse or stayed silent. If you protect predators, you do not belong in power. This culture of abuse ends when we say it ends and we say it ends now. Thank you. Thank you. Hello. My name is Andrew Riley. I'm a constituent of Andy Mills
District 14. I just wanted to speak just from my perception, you know, speaking about whether or not to pay this 300,000 additional dollars, it's hard for me to look at this vote and see it as anything more than a performance one way or the other. Right? We all know the truth of what happens because the press chose to cover it and listen to the survivors when the investigators did not. And so. I don't know what you're searching for. You can say we're not best fun to $300,000 were going to call them in this and that. But what and is it for? What are you looking for? A way out? I think we all know that the culture like counselor Barth said if it's built in. Where do you go, right? If you have
leadership that actually cares about accountability. These things are addressed. People are listened to, but that's clearly not the case here. We as constituents can all call for hook set to resign. But we do not have the pulpit like you do. Many people and you're, you know, districts not even know what's happening when Nielsen called for Hawks set to resign, he emailed all of his constituents to inform them not only of his choice to call for it, but to call out the culture that needs to change. And I implore you all to follow his lead. I know you all join because you believe they can help people, but you can't achieve that by throwing people under the bus. And if you're not willing to stand up for people while fulfilling your jobs, helping people in other roles than you need to
step aside as well and campaign for somebody that will. That's my speech. My name's Ed Law come from Pike Township. And I just I would agree with basically everything I've heard. From the previous speakers. I wanted to address one thing to add. I had a long career in the faa and both the Union and management positions. And the first majority of the first part of my career, there was a culture of abuse and protecting abusers. And then what changed over the last 10, 12 years starting and I looked this up. It was 1998. When the issue this order. And they created a board that sounded a lot like what Maggie Adams McBride talked about there. And so there's a Templet there in the federal government. It wouldn't be a cut cut and paste, but it would be
something that I would urge you to look at. I oppose Panda $300,000. I support the 7 survivors. I would ask everybody here that agrees with me to stand. And show your shoulder. Up next. Can do you have any us on the list? During in Crenshaw? Jeremiah? And tk. Hello. I'm during Crenshaw District 14. I really don't have anything new to add. I think it's a lot of money that we're spending on something that didn't seem to do. It was supposed to do. I'm here for all the survivors. There's a lot of them. Probably some up there, too. That's all. Hi, my name is Jeremy Tee ball. I was a city employee in 2021 2022, my story is a little different. I have female director, the director of voter
registration. After being asked to come to her house and take a bath weather and her scheduling a vacation for the 2 of us to take together. And entire wardrobe being bought for me. I thought the complaint and was terminated. I want a jar. A overturn my termination and put me on administrative leave. And after 2 weeks, they called me and said that they were going to outsource the investigation to Taft law firm because of my directors, political affiliations. After 4 months of investigations and turning over text messages and phone calls and the ios Investigative report. I was told that it was not harassment. I was told to report back to work and the day that reporting back to work. I was terminated for a
different offense. It was interesting that council now re being the head of the minority caucus and his aunt being the director that was investigated, put himself on the investigative committee. To investigate harassment after Taft and said that being invited to his aunt's house to take a bath. Weather was not harassment. I contacted Fisher Phillips. I emailed the 5 members of the Investigative committee told him what happened the documentation, screenshots of the text messages. The attorney acknowledge receipt of the email and I never heard from them after that. So it's a little different. I don't know. Not familiar with the Thomas Cook stuff and I was around for that. I have female director and again, I think it comes back to culture because
I'm 6, 9 340 But I shouldn't be able to sexually harassed by a woman. Multiple times. The very first question, every investigator that talk to the very first question was, was there ever a situation where the 2 of you or something more than employee employer and the answer was always no. There was never anything document yet. I was terminated the day after the investigation concluded. Thank you. Good evening, counselors. My name is t k. And I'm here to 9 full support of the survivor employees who have come forward to speak truth about the abuse, retaliation and harm they experienced while working under Mayor Hogsett administration. These individuals are not outsiders. They were inside the system. They were staff. They were colleagues. They were part of
the same institutions. This council funds and overseas. Their stories are not disconnected from the powerful testimonies we heard on APRIL 16th from families survived the Winter Contingency program. Fact, their stories for villa chilling pattern because whether it's his child assaulted in a shelter cubicle with no response for a city employee retaliated against for raising concerns. We are seeing the same thing. As coach that protects power. Silences dissent and punishes the vulnerable. This is not just about Mayor Hogsett. This is not just Phs. This is about the systemic culture that this council has upheld sometimes through inaction, sometimes to procedure. Sometimes you
select of support. One survivor employees speak out about abuse within the administration and the response of silence or dismissal sends a message that the city is more interested in self-preservation and transformation. The survivors here tonight should not have to carry this burden alone. They should be protected. They should be believed and they should be heard. Not just by our ways, but by you, the very body responsible for oversight and justice. This council MAY not have created the harm, but you are at the crossroads. Will you continue to normalize the old cycles? Where will you choose courage and accountability? Because culture is not what's written in mission statements. It's
what you tolerate. It. And right now the people are watching. What will you? But you will do. Thank you. Or anyone else is that it? Comments from as for Mary. Thank MARCH Air. I want to thank everybody for being evening as well. And coming up and tell your story the the sentiments you brought it's very much appreciated by his body and something for us take into consideration as well. And my question has to go on to this one. 64 $300,000. Within the initial proposal that we had for the investigative committee. Was my understanding that there was a mechanism in place for one 60% of the out. The one 50 had been had that we would be notified to then amend or
figure out what to do from there was that once we hit that 60% threshold, was there any notification to this body? There was that that was the case. I never heard anything in. If it was noted that we've had that 6% who gave the approval to continue the investigation on which we didn't have. A lot of information is what was going on to begin with. I can I can try answer that. The 60% was a mechanism set out to get it to get the law firm to sign the contract at the low amount. We knew from the beginning it was gonna be more than 150,000 and one of the things I told them is ensure that the contract would be amended to cover all this is that 60%? I would begin the process of amending
the contract, which I did. What happened was when they got to, I think by the summer Council carlino announced that they were we were at about 100,090 1 trillion 8 billion or something to that effect. We began work on the amendment. But then we were told that we should probably hold off so that the amendment can be added to the spring fiscal because we did not have the money in our budget. That's how that I appreciate that. Just also still kind of curious as to why. We were made as a body aware of the of this, you know, coming up that we were running out of money in to my understands how should have gone is that we should made aware because the whole time this investigation went on the questions we asked, we weren't able to get really any answers to. I mean, that was no answer we got was
that it was it would potentially hinder the investigation if they answer the question, which I can understand to extend. But however, some of these questions are pretty simple questions. Just curious why we were made aware of any of this until, you know, the 300,000 comes on to a spring fiscal because part of it was that full council delegated the contract process to 2 committee and then the committee delegated the contracting to me. And so I negotiated initiative contract. PRESIDENT Signed off on it. The and that's just wake. I mean, we don't notify you of any of our contracts that our client on this contract I'm sorry, the client on the contract with was technically you delegated to the to the could to the Committee Investigative Committee. I just think as as
the client is on the contract, we should made aware of these things because we're talking about taxpayer dollars and we should be able to, you know, so have some sort of oversight on this and to be able to be made aware of when things are happening. So GOD forbid we ever go to something like this again, I would hope that's the change we could have in place. Thank you. Any questions counselors. Around. Thank you, MISTER Chair thank you ever who spoke tonight for a lot of reasons. I also want thank Maggie Maggie Adams, McBride for this very thorough documentation for hr policies. This is very substantive. I want this over as I know a lot of us will over the next couple days. One question I had as for the timeline of the Fisher Phillips report where their financial commitments as far as paying by specific day.
For the report. Like was there a deadline we have to pay by certain day? No, I think council Carlina called to the report to be done by JUNE first and we got billed by the month. Okay. Well, I one perspective that I would share is that we have so many questions still about the report. You know, obviously we had the chance I was on the committee, but those who are on the committee, the chance ask questions when they came to present it the time, you know, none of us were at the chance to look over and really research it right. In my opinion, what we have leverage and we've not paid yet. We should be asking these questions because if we are to paid and then we lose all chance to ask questions. Ic year. Yeah. It where I would go from. I mean, there's so many things we still need to
ask that. I know that you have communications as our attorney, but I think for the public sake, if they can't say they can't say for certain things, but I think people should really see the transparency for us that we are asking the questions people want to be asked. Thank Mike. Any other questions? Councilors? Council Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN thank you, everybody for speaking tonight. We do hear you. We aren't cold-hearted like you think we are. We have been looking at this process for quite a while. There have changes been made. We have heard you there will be changes made. We believe there are gaps in the process. We are looking at recommendations. I to echo counselor Roberts comments about the recommendations from Missus. Brian, I think that's
very helpful. That's what we need We are not hr specialists. We are not micro managers of processes that we have little control over. So we do need this help. And we do appreciate the input and that is things we were looking into regarding the report. We all have questions and we will strive to get some of those. We did enter a legal binding contract and we will live up to that contract and pay that we do not legal contracts as a city, but we will seek answers because we to have those same answers. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Any other questions? Council Thank you, Mr. Chairman for the opportunity to speak as a guest this evening. Appreciate it. I just wanted to jump in on counselor
Roberts and as what there's 2 attorneys here this evening. But as one of the way that a legal firm with Bill is by the hour. And so the work that's already been done. We've been billed for so any additional work would be charged additionally by a law firm. So the way that I see it is we can't just with full payment to get them to do more. It will cost us more to more work. It's it's a little different then like a communications contract or something like that. So I just thought I would chime in on that. They're not simple to that. Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN. That's Robert. A question. Well, I was going to say that I personally think it's a bigger quest of becoming the person to present. But you can see the point about the payment, obviously for the legal contract. So is there is
junior 30th is deadline for the contract. Is there any sort of stipulation on We haven't execute. We haven't executed the amendment yet. Okay. You this meeting is about proposal. The poll proposal plus more like more than anything was about the survivors that we wanted to hear from them. It took a lot of energy for them to step forward and speak. I wish they were here person, but I think they got your point across. As a council. We don't really have really any control what goes on in this building. We really don't. As far as the sum of the political shenanigans happening. I have I mean, this building a couple times a year and that a couple times a month. That's it. So
any other councilors, every cancer. One Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN. I do have a question for general counsel, but I do want also like many others have done your tonight. Thank everyone who can speak, especially the survivors. Everyone came tonight do want to say clearly and unambiguously what happened a week ago, Monday was plainly, obviously big, easily wrong. It shouldn't have happened. This council should never allowed that to happen. And we need to make it clear that this is a welcoming space that invites the public to be here to make comment. And when there's go over 2 minutes, let people speak more than 2 minutes. There's absolutely no reason that shouldn't happen, especially when there such a monumental, weighty, important matters that need to be hurt
by this council. So deeply appreciative of everyone who came here tonight nationally. The survivors, whether in person or as a representative coming again brave. And it's important that they were here and everyone here with them. Management Council. I'm trying to understand the this proposal. Is the amount that we have before us. The amount that has been built to date and that's what we owe or is this an amount that has anyone going in at number one? And number 2, I do think counsel Robert has a very legitimate point that there are questions and so seeking answers to those questions, would there be an additional charge to us for seeking answer to those questions? So no, the total is the total number that they quoted for this amendment was I asked him for the drop, the total to complete this investigation and provide the
recommendations. And so that's what it is. They have not build that. To date think they have built. 350 around that. So I didn't I guess I'm not. In the amount we want your being asked appropriate tonight. Is there room 2 for additional work against the Yes, I don't. I don't know exactly how much, I don't know what bill that is coming to end. So getting to counsel Robert questions. There could be additional questions answered in responded. Yes, correct. Yes, we we have room under the cap to to have them enter a dish and ultimately it's the council offices, determination whether we pay fee based on that services that have been around or is that correct? I don't know that we have much of option. I think free in said County lady said once the services were
rendered. We I understand it's a once we appropriated. There's a decision made in the council office to go through the process of paying a craft. Yes, yes. Go ahead. Thank MISTER Chair. Kind of thing council Barth here you know, is there an exact amount right now that there is I don't have that off the top of my head, but it is is it is about They have build. I think about 3 little over 3.15, we've paid about one, 50. Paid on 50 with those. So about 900,000. There a Dubai day on this extra 100,000? The bills were doing? They were sent and we just have not paid them in the last 6 months. One of the terms on payment like net 30 net for I mean, well. They are. Let's put it this way. They have not charged is interest on the payments that are due. So that we don't know the Certainly if
it's do it in x amount of days, when you get when you see the bill, normal. But like I said, they have and it is not unusual for the city that just this department through Plus 2 kind of pay slowly. But they do. You know, most people expect the city to pay week. You know. We signed an agreement to pay so. Thank you. Have a jaded churches interests. Know, you can take motion. But wouldn't question. Apologize. CHAIRMAN Evans. Thank you, CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN Scary. Thank you for the time to speak as a guest as well. I had a question. I don't know who would be. The best answer. But I want to know a lot's been brought up about this idea of individuals being subpoenaed. The law firm make any recommendations on individuals to be subpoenaed before the committee. Not that I know of. I mean, I don't know that. With the intent of
what. Proposals asking them. It was made felt the need to have that they have the documentation showing what information had been provided previously. I would just echo. Council Robertson Councilor Bart as well with regards to getting some of the questions that we still have answered prior to paying off that final bill. I don't know. That's a process of. Holding today's we're moving it forward full Council to get it done in between. But I think that that to the committee that will vote on it. I think that's an important step that we need to get taken care of. Can't really. Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN To to that. CHAIRMAN Of I think as the chair of the investigative Committee. I accepted that role and I I take it very seriously. And I
do believe that that we have those additional questions to be answered, which is why? You know, I think tonight's proposal is is important and we we should consider it so that we can continue to have those questions answered and pay for not only the previous. Legal services rendered, but once that yet to be rendered and MR. CHAIRMAN, before I make my motion, I have a short statement that will take of about 2 minutes. If that's ultimately thank you. I want to start by saying thank you to CHAIRMAN Miscarry. I appreciate his generosity this evening and centering survivor voices. And thank you to those in the public who spoke on this proposal, this investigation and this process. Like many you, I still have questions. But tonight I want to make a few statements. I believe
Fisher Phillips fulfill their agreement conducted a narrow investigation. The architect of which regretfully I am not. As I had no part in crafting more reviewing the details of its contents. But as coauthor General Resolution, 41, I can tell you the scope with which MR. Phillips was given on our behalf. Was without committee or chair consent and was clearly not in the spirit of the law written and codified by this council last year. The scope of this work was clearly done solely around past employees. Past allegations, namely Thomas Cook when his name. Nor any other name was specified and general resolution. 41. Tonight in the setting. I am calling for the resignation of Mayor Joe Hogsett. And furthermore, I am calling for the resignation of our council PRESIDENT And vice
PRESIDENT. Accountability has to be on the architect. The decision to eliminate the scope of this investigation skews me to limit the scope of this investigation. Accountability for the decision not to consult with the chair of the committee when representing the council in both the administration of an execution of the provisions of the law passed by this body in 2024. Accountability for why we are even investigating in the first place. Accountability for the 450,000 taxpayer dollars. Accountability for the continued abuse of power. Isis. And account accountability for the ongoing silence. Silence is violence. The abuse of power and lack of leadership ends. Now. As chair, I stand by the choice of this from. I support most, if not all of their recommendations and sincerely
appreciate. MISS's Adams McBride's recommendations tonight and definitely appreciate them in writing. Thank you. Thank you. I'm not finished. You have a move to tonight? I'm calling for a change in leadership not only for our city before this council colleagues, we should pass this proposal so we can get the questions to our answers. Excuse me, the answers to our questions. But there has to be accountability. And I don't think it should be late in the lap of the Fisher Phillips from MR. CHAIRMAN with that, I so move. Councilor Councilor and know. Councilor both. Councilor boots. Yeah,
8. Councilor Ku. Don't know. Councilor Carlino really? No. I. Councilor councilor joke ne? Council Lewis. I? This is vote to not pay the bill whatsoever. This is a vote to hold right now and let them know we're serious about not letting this slide by. So I will be voting no. Council Houston. You know? So, yes. Council Roberts. Last question real for the legal counsel. If we vote on this tonight is their chance to read like again for the Point counsel Mary said if we vote vote no, we reload on it when they fulfilled that request to be. PRESIDENT. If you vote, vote no on this. It will probably be removed from the fiscal. You'll have to start the process. Okay. So we vote yes, there's still a chance they can come back, ok? That's
correct. I will vote yes council a massacre. Gary, I. Was Again that was a vote. Voted 7 to 5 in favor of The proposal pass. Yes. All right. Thank you. Out any other. We