MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 12, 2018, FURTHER INFORMATION: Vice Mavor David Brilev (615) 862-6780 NASHVILLE - Vice Mayor David Briley announces Metro Council's Special Committee NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 12, 2018) - “Vice Mayor David Briley today announced that he is naming Councilmembers Erica Gilmore, Bob Mendes, Brenda Haywood, Robert Swope, Burkley Allen, Mina Johnson, and Russ Pulley to the Council Special Committee created pursuant to RS2018-1039. His letter designating these members is attached to this release.” waLLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY ‘One Puble Square, Suite 204 Poe 108800 Nasivil, Tennessee 37219 Home: (615) 238.6900 (ico: 618) 880-3357 Enmai: dav brey@naslle gov DAVID BRILEY VICE MAYOR February 12, 2018 Councilmember At-Large Frica Gilmore Councilmember At-Large Bob Mendes Councilmember Brenda Haywood Councilmember Robert Swope Councilmember Burkley Allen Councilmember Mina Johnson Councilmember Russ Pulley Dear Colleagues 1am writing to ask each of you to serve as members of the Metro Council Committe (the “Commitee”) created pursuant to RS2018-1039. ‘The Com first meet Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 4 p.m, in Committee Room 2, Because the Charter provision upon which the Council relied was adopted before the adoption of many other provisions of law, and has only been used once before, I am also ‘writing to offer my personal recommendations for the Commitee. Public Perception of Faimess The most important objective of this Committee should be that its conduct and rations be seen as fair and impartial, That objective will be met if the Commitee ‘engages in a complete, objective investigation of “the circumstances involving travel and ‘other expenses, including overtime expenses, potentially related to the Mayors admitted itpropriees involving an employee of the Metropolitan Government to determine if there was any improper use of public money.” The investigation should not stray from these limit ' Special will Meeting that objective also requires that the Committee demonstrate no bias or prejudice either for or against the Mayor or her administration. Each of you has pledged to me that ‘you will conduct yourself in a manner that demonstrates such neutrality.1am also asking each of you to reftain from any comments regarding the proceedings of the Commitee outside ofthe public meetings. Each of your comments will be subject to ‘more serutiny than normal and a misinterpretation might lead to suspicion of your neutrality. 1 cannot require you to adhere to these requests, but I hope you will consider them setiously as the Council steps into this uncharted territory. Erugal Use of Resources ‘When Section 3.06 of the Charter was adopted, neither the current ethics ordinance nor audit function existed for Metro. As a result, it was logical that the Council itself would execute investigative responsibilities when allegations of impropriety arose. Today, however, the Metro Auditor and the Board of Ethical Conduct have great authority t0 review these circumstances. ‘Therefore, to avoid excessive or duplicative investigations, I encourage you to consider obtaining outside counsel to coordinate your effors with the Metro Aucitor and Board of Ethical Conduct. It is my understanding that the Metro Audit Committee will consider a request for an investigation tomorrow. So, prompt action inthis regard is requied. Regardless of how you elect to proceed, please consider the financial costs of any Aecision you make before you act. Ultimate Conclusions ‘None of us know what your ultimate conclusions might be. Itis clear to me, though, that public acceptance will be more likely if they are unanimous or atleast broadly agreed to, Please keep an open mind to learning new facts and refrain from a decision until you hear all perspectives. Nashville's trust in the process depends upon it. Thank you for your willingness to serve on this Committee. I will attend your first meeting but will otherwise offer no further comments or guidance unless requested. Respectflly, CIowilibnity David Briley ‘Vice Mayor cc: Members of Couneit ‘Mayor Megan Barry