City Council Hires Outside Counsel for RGC Investigation

The Rye City Council hired Manhattan-based law firm Brune & Richard to run the city council’s investigation into dealings at Rye Golf Club during a special city council meeting this morning, according to Councilman Joe Sack.

Because the Rye City Manager’s ability to handle the investigation was called into questionthe council voted to make itself the lead agency in the matter and to hire an independent counsel last week.

“I would like to commend my colleagues on the city council for the swift, unanimous and significant action we have taken as a group over the past eight days,” said Sack, who has been the city official most vocal about investigating the Rye Golf Club general manager’s relationship with a staffing agency he hired and the allegations of misappropriated funds.

In its investigation, the outside counsel may issue subpoenas, secure documents, conduct interviews, take sworn testimony, and marshal the evidence, the councilman said.

“Because of the unique circumstances, this investigation will and must be separate and apart from the city manager and regular city lawyers, in order to maintain the integrity and independence of the investigation.  Ultimately, whatever the investigation shows, the results must be beyond reproach, so that the public can have faith and trust in the outcome,” Sack said.

The council will allocate funds for the investigation from the city’s existing contingency fund.

 What are your thoughts on the city council’s decision to handle the investigation and hire outside counsel? Tell us in the comments. 

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