RESOLUTION NO. ______, SERIES 2023
TITLE
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND/OR THE CHAIR OF THE GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT/AUDIT AND APPOINTMENT COMMITTEE TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO INITIATE A COMPLAINT WITH THE LOUISVILLE METRO ETHICS COMMISSION REGARDING THE ACTIONS OF COUNCIL MEMBER ANTHONY PIAGENTINI IN CONNECTION WITH THE SIXTH ROUND OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING APPROVED BY METRO COUNCIL.
BODY
SPONSORED BY: SPONSORSHIP WITHDRAWN
WHEREAS, on December 1, 2022, in Ordinance No. 182, Series 2022, the Louisville Metro Council approved a Sixth Round of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding totaling $58,858,000; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 182, Series 2022 included 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 workforce 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, who 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, subsequent to the enactment of the legislation, Metro Council learned that the potential conflict of interest was a possible consulting arrangement between Council Member Piagentini and the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Treasury guidelines relating to American Rescue Plan funding require Louisville Metro, as a recipient of ARP funds, to maintain a conflict of interest policy consistent with federal regulations; and
WHEREAS, potential conflicts of interest in Louisville Metro Government are evaluated by the Louisville Metro Ethics Commission pursuant to LMCO Chapter 21; and
WHEREAS; on February 16, 2023, Metro Council passed Resolution No. 008, Series 2023, seeking a prompt review by and opinion from the Louisville Metro Ethics Commission regarding Council Member Piagentini’s conduct in this matter; and
WHEREAS, at their meeting on February 21, 2023, the Ethics Commission determined that the only means by which it can evaluate whether Council Member Piagentini’s actions constituted a violation of the Louisville Metro Ethics Code is through the formal complaint process; and
WHEREAS, Metro Council believes it remains imperative to obtain a formal review and evaluation of the facts of this situation as expeditiously as possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The Metro Council hereby directs the President of the Metro Council and/or the Chair of the Metro Council Government Oversight/Audit and Appointment Committee to take all necessary steps to initiate the required formal complaint process with the Louisville Metro Ethics Commission to commence their review of the actions of Council Member Piagentini in relation to the health care workforce innovation appropriation enacted in Ordinance No. 182, Series 2022.
SECTION II: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Sonya Harward Markus Winkler
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
_______________________________
Approval Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: _____________________________
R-019-23 - Ethics Complaint 2-24-23 - hh v.1