INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis City-County Council will consider a proposal to create a special investigative committee to look into allegations of sexual harassment against the mayor’s former top aide.

The council will consider Proposal 287 during its Monday night meeting and it will allow the council to appoint members to an Investigative Committee to “thoroughly examine and investigate allegations against members of the Hogsett administration.”

The proposal came after three women accused former top aide Thomas Cook of sexual misconduct over the last seven or more years.

News 8 spoke to two of the victims in an on-camera interview in August.

The proposal earned a unanimous Do Pass recommendation from the Rules and Public Policy Committee.

That proposal says it would create “an Investigative Committee that contracts with an independent law and/or human resources firm(s) to thoroughly examine and investigate allegations against members of the Hogsett administration and recommend policy changes and further action to address gaps in human resources policy and code; and recommends further immediate action regarding sexual harassment training and workplace relationships.”

So far, at least one council members has called for the Democrat mayor to step down in the wake of these allegations.

City-County Council Member Jesse Brown, a Democrat, called for the mayor to resign in August.

This proposal is set to be discussed and could be voted Monday night.

If it passes, the Committee on Committees on Tuesday evening could appoint members to the special investigative committee.

Statement

“I commend the City-County Council for ensuring that their investigation as part of Proposal 287 will protect the confidentiality of any current or former City employee who was or may be involved in any claim of sexual harassment. In order to create a safer, better work environment, it is imperative that everyone who works for the City knows they can report harassment of any kind without fear of retribution, and that all investigations will be conducted in a confidential manner.

“I remain committed to working with the City-County Council and the entire Administration to make continued changes to our policies and practices, both those initiated by my Administration and through this resolution.”

Mayor Joe Hogsett via a spokesperson

Previous Coverage

• ‘Disappointing’: Former staffer reacts to Hogsett comment after claims of sexual abuse by aides
• Mayor Hogsett talks about sexual harassment investigation
• Anonymous sexual harassment reporting website rolls out for City-County employees
• City-County Council unveils plan to address harassment allegations
• Panel could look into mayor’s office handling of sexual harassment allegations
• Hogsett signs new order on sexual harassment prevention
• Democratic Indiana state senator blasts handling of sexual harassment accusations
• Hogsett to sign executive order on sexual harassment prevention training
• Accusers of mayor’s former aide hope story will inspire other women
• ‘I would like him to apologize’: Former staffers demand changes from Hogsett after claims of abuse by aide
• Indianapolis councilors propose changes to sexual harassment policies
• City-County Council vows better protections amid sexual harassment scandal
• ‘UnPHILtered’ | Hogsett’s former chief of staff accused of sexual harassment
• Councilors react to former chief of staff sexual harassment allegations
• Former Hogsett Chief of Staff accused of inappropriate relationships with subordinates