Arvada council authorizes outside investigator and counsel after ethics allegation; one councilmember recused

The Arvada City Council on Feb. 3 authorized retention of an outside investigator and outside counsel to pursue an investigation under Arvada’s code of ethics after staff received a community complaint alleging potential violations by a council member.

Councilmember Davis recused herself from the discussion and a recusal motion passed 6–0. City staff said the alleged facts, if proven in a permitted process under the city code of ethics (Chapter 2, Article 8), may constitute a violation and recommended an independent investigation. Councilmember Pfeiffer moved to authorize the retention of external investigators and counsel; the motion passed 6–0.

Mayor Simpson thanked staff and emphasized the council’s commitment to an impartial process. “The city council takes ethics and, everything with the highest standards, and we take the allegations seriously,” the presiding officer said.

Next steps: staff will retain outside investigators and counsel and the city will follow the administrative process specified in the city code of ethics. Councilmember Davis returned to the dais after the recusal vote.