RESOLUTION NO. ________, SERIES 2023
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AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO METRO COUNCIL RULE 7.01(A) REQUESTING THE LOUISVILLE METRO ETHICS COMMISSION TO PROVIDE METRO COUNCIL WITH A FORMAL OPINION REGARDING WHETHER ANY ACTIONS OF COUNCIL MEMBER ANTHONY PIAGENTINI IN CONNECTION WITH THE SIXTH ROUND OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING APPROVED BY METRO COUNCIL CONSTITUTED A VIOLATION OF THE LOUISVILLE METRO ETHICS CODE.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBERS FOWLER, KRAMER AND
PRESIDENT WINKLER
WHEREAS, on December 1, 2022, in Ordinance No. 182, Series 2022, the Metro Council approved a Sixth Round of American Rescue Plan (“ARP”) funding totaling $58,858,000; and
WHEREAS, the largest project approved for funding in that legislation was a $40,000,000 appropriation to Economic Development to fund an industry-led and health care focused workforce strategy; and
WHEREAS, the concept was developed by the Healthcare Workforce Innovation Coalition, a group of public and private stakeholders that was convened by the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council; and
WHEREAS, this healthcare innovation project is highly beneficial to Greater Louisville’s economy and to its healthcare workforce; and
WHEREAS, the legislation was originally co-sponsored by Council Member Anthony Piagentini and current Council President Markus Winkler; and
WHEREAS, Council Member Piagentini actively supported the project as it made its way through the ARP work group process and when the legislation that included the project was heard in the budget committee; and
WHEREAS, at the December 1, 2022 Metro Council meeting at which the legislation was considered, Council Member Piagentini stated on the record, without elaboration, that he was withdrawing his sponsorship and that he would abstain from voting on the measure due to a potential conflict of interest; and
WHEREAS, in recent days, Metro Council has learned that the potential conflict of interest was a possible consulting arrangement between Council Member Piagentini and the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council; and
WHEREAS, while Council Member Piagentini has this week requested an opinion from the Ethics Commission regarding his conduct in this matter, Metro Council believes it is imperative that Metro Council also request the Ethics Commission to review this situation as expeditiously as possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (“METRO COUNCIL”) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The Metro Council hereby requests that the Louisville Metro Ethics Commission review the actions of Council Member Piagentini in connection with the debate on and enactment of Ordinance No. 182, Series 2022 as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible to determine whether any violations of the Louisville Metro Ethics Code have occurred.
SECTION II: The Metro Council hereby requests that the Ethics Commission issue a formal opinion following its review, and to provide a copy of that opinion to Metro Council.
SECTION III: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
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Sonya Harward Markus Winkler
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
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Approval Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: __________________________________
R-016-23 - Piagentini Ethics Resolution 2-16-23 - hh v.1