Report finds no violations of law by City Clerk Jennifer Kehl, but cites “management issues”

Rich Block
Jennifer Kehl

 

Fishers City Council President Rich Block issued a statement Friday afternoon, saying an investigation of City Clerk Jennifer Kehl “concluded that no violations of law occured.”  However, Block says the report did contain “management issues” brought to the attention of council members.

“…changes have been implemented which have transferred duties previously assumed by the Clerk (but not legally required to be performed by the Clerk) to current City staff which will streamline the administration of government and maximize efficiencies,” according to Block’s statement .

On May 23rd, the Fishers City Council issued a statement saying Ms. Kehl was being investigated for possible violations of Title VII, part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion.  The council news release May 23rd did not specify which part of Title VII was involved in this case.

The council utilized the law firm of Barnes & Thornburg to conduct the investigation into the allegations lodged against the city clerk, which found no law violations.

Jennifer Kehl was contacted by LarryInFishers for her reaction, and said that she still does not know the specific allegations against her.  The report has not been shared or explained to her, she said.

“I have completed tasks assigned to the best of my ability,.” Kehl told LarryInFishers.

She has asked for information on the report, but has been told it is confidential and cannot be shared with her.

“I have done the job I was elected to do, which the city chose to distribute to others,” said Kehl.

Here is the full text of the statement issued Friday afternoon by Council President Rich Block:

The Common Council for the City of Fishers engaged Barnes & Thornburg, LLP to investigate allegations made against the separately elected City Clerk.  The investigators concluded that no violations of law occurred; however, several management issues related to the Clerk’s office were brought to the Council’s attention.  Accordingly, changes have been implemented which have transferred duties previously assumed by the Clerk (but not legally required to be performed by the Clerk) to current City staff which will streamline the administration of government and maximize efficiencies.