The investigation into a Richmond “city employee” that has been shrouded in secrecy for months, has now concluded.
According to documents obtained by the Herald-Leader through the open records act, an investigation into City Manager, Rob Meinrich, that was initiated on May 28 has been determined to be unsubstantiated.
According to the Herald, the internal investigation against Minerich was launched March 7 after newly elected Commissioner Tammy Cole received an anonymous email who claimed to be a “city employee.” The sender accused Minerich of making disparaging remarks towards women, sexual harassment, racist comments and creating a toxic work environment for some employees at city hall.
The Richmond City Council then unanimously voted to hire Pewee Valley law firm Vaughn Petitt Legal Group. Carol Petitt was the head counsel leading the investigation.
Petitt investigated the claims based on 50 random and anonymous interviews with current and previous employees. City officials were unaware of individuals’ identities.
In the report findings, 41% of city employees interviewed agreed the environment at city hall was negative, “starting from the top” — but not entirely at the hands of Minerich.
“Many witnesses agree that things at City Hall are tense, and that people are afraid to socialize,” Petitt wrote in her findings. “However, not all witnesses agree that this is directly attributable to Rob Minerich. Rather, the general ‘gossipy’ environment at City Hall is a common factor.”
But Petitt wrote, based on her investigation, she could not substantiate any findings against Minerich.
Minerich has served as the city’s manager since being appointed in 2018.
Minerich told the Herald Leader it was unfortunate the city employees had to go through the investigation and added the claims have no merit based on the fact it was an anonymous email sent to the private email address of Commissioner Cole.
Today city commissioner Mike Brewer told WBON TV he is glad to have this behind them and wants to to have everyone move forward and get back to doing what they are supposed to do, and that’s improving the quality of life for those in Richmond.
Brewer also stated, I have worked with a number of city managers during my 18 years of experience as a commissioner and have worked with none better than Rob Meinrich.” Brewer added the unsubstantiated investigation cost the city around $40,000.
