2023 06 20 Minutes

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June 20, 2023 
Page 6 of 7 
 
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MOTION TO RECONSIDER A PREVIOUS MOTION REGARDING SETTLEMENT OF GLENN WHITING’S 
LAWSUITS AGAINST THE CITY OF ATHENS 
 
Council Member Pelley moved, Vice Mayor Eaton seconded, that the City Council reconsider a 
previous motion .  The motion s tated that the City Council authorize s the incoming City 
Manager and City Attorney to negotiate with Glenn Whiting in an attempt to settle his lawsuits 
against the City.  Any settlement requires approval of the City Council.  Roll call vote: 
 
 AYES: Pelley, Eaton, Sherlin 
 NAYS: Curtis, Witt-McMahan 
    
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MOTION REGARDING INVESTIGATION INTO ATHENS POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE HUMAN 
RESOURCES DEPARTMENT 
 
Vice Mayor Eaton moved, Council Member Pelley seconded, a motion to look into the morale 
and other issues in the police department and launch an investigation into issues involving the 
police department and human resources department  about concerns regarding off duty pay 
for the canine officers and the actions or inactions of the HR department regarding issues that 
have been brought up in exit interviews  and statements by former officers.  The investigators 
will have access to all information and all parties are kept safe from retribution and harassment 
and protection under Whistleblower laws.  A full report and recommendations will be provided 
to the Council  and City Manager.  The Rogers Group will be the law firm to do the work at a 
price of $250 per hour, not to exceed $15,000 and the investigation will begin on July 3.  Mayor 
Sherlin moved, Council Member Pelley seconded, a substitute motion to look at the problems 
in the police department, investigate the human resources department  as to how the issues 
have been handled and allow the new City Manager and City Attorney to do the investigation 
with no outside entity involved.  Roll call vote on the substitute motion: 
 
 AYES: Pelley, Eaton, Sherlin 
 NAYS: Curtis, Witt-McMahan 
 
 
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REPORTS 
 
ATHENS CITY SCHOOLS QUARTERLY REPORT 
 
Mr. Robert Greene, Superintendent of the Athens City Schools, presented his quarterly update 
on their current projects and activities.