Inquiry and Review Committee

Once the Ethics Officer, with input from the Intake Committee, determines that a credible allegation of non-compliance constitutes violation of state law, Metropolitan Administrative Code or Operating Policy, or is otherwise inappropriate for informal resolution, the matter is referred to the Inquiry and Review Committee. The committee investigates concerns, using external investigators and counsel when indicated, and makes recommendations for formal response.

The committee will convene, consider the need for external investigations and develop a timeline with the goal of providing a disposition within six months of the date that the complaint was referred.

As appropriate, the Ethics Officer will provide formal notification to principals that the matter has been referred to the Inquiry & Review Committee.

The Ethics Officer will review potential members for conflicts of interest, propose that member be excused when necessary and nominate a chair.

After completing its investigation, the committee will reach one of the following findings:

1. substantiated
2. unsubstantiated

The Inquiry & Review Committee Elected Chair will submit findings along with any dissent to the appropriate Metropolitan department head (with copies to the General Counsel) for action. For matters involving Directors, the committee will submit findings and any dissent to the Executive Committee (with copies to the General Counsel) for action. The Ethics Officer will submit separate findings. A report on actions to be taken in response to the findings must be submitted to the Ethics Office (with a copy to the General Counsel) within 30 days.

Once a matter is referred to Inquiry and Review, the Ethics Officer will report monthly in oral and written report to the Board of Directors until the matter is resolved.

The Inquiry & Review Committee includes the three elected members of the Board of Directors, General Manager or designee, General Counsel or designee, and General Auditor or designee. The committee members are excused in turn from examining matters. All staff members will be excused if a Director is the respondent. The Ethics Officer and General Council will serve the committee in an advisory capacity. One Director member will be excused if the respondent is a staff member.