Sandra Bryant

From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

Marie Garrett <marie.garrett@brookhavenga.gov>

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 10:47 AM
Rick Stone
Personnel Matters

Rick:

PleaseacceptthismemoasmystatementofconcernregardingrecenteventsbyMayorDavistowardsme.
SincethepublishingoftheAJCarticlewhereinIstatedthatBelindaDemoswashiredbytheMayorandtheMayorsstatement
thathemerelysuggestedshebehired,IhaveseeretaliatorybehaviorbytheMayortowardsme.DuringourtriptoDCto
attendtheMayorsConference,ItoldhiminaphonecallthatIwouldnotlieaboutBelindaandthathedidhireher.He
continuedtocoachmetosaythathedidnothireherwhichItoldhimwasnottrue.AtthetimehehiredBelinda,hetoldme
hehadthefullsupportofthecouncilofwhichIlearnedlaternotonecouncilmemberknewabouttheMayorshiringwhichis
adirectviolationofthecitysCharter.
Hehasdemeanedmeinpublicregardingtourismdollarsinanopencouncilmeetingonmyreportastohowtheyshouldnot
bespentforlocalevents(noteligible)whichhewantedmetodo,toberatingmeinanexecutivesessionovertheresignation
of


WhenMikeHassingerwashereservingastheVendorforCommunications,heberatedmeinexecutivesessionbecauseI
broughttohisattentionandrepeatedevenwhatMiketoldmethattheMayorwasdirectinghiswork.Thisisindirect
violationtothecityscharter.

Onarecentoccasion(3/6/15),IwasbeenbyacouncilmemberthattheMayortoldthemthatIwouldbegoneverysoon.I
havebeentoldbyastaffmemberthattheMayoralongwithBatesMattisontoldTreyBentonthatIwasgoingtobefiredthis
wasNov.2014.

IhavealsobeendirectedbytheMayortobidoutthebattingcagesforMCParkofwhichtheconsensusofCouncilwasnotto
payforbattingcagesuntilafterthemasterplanforMCPark.IcontinuetobepressuredtodothewrongthingbytheMayor
andwhenIrefusehestepsuphisangertowardsme.

IreceivedaverypositiveperformanceevaluationandthiswaspresentedtomebytheMayorandCouncilonFeb.10,2015(all
theelectedwerepresent).TheMayorsaidIwasdoinganexcellentjobandthatwewanttokeepyou.Sincethatevaluation,
Ihaveexperiencednegativebehaviortowardsme.

TheMayorhiredanindependentauditorandsaidthefullcouncilwasinagreement.Ihavesincelearnedthiswasnotthecase.
HishiringofthisfirmwhichwasnotbudgetedisaviolationoftheCharter.Hehasnoauthoritytohire.Heaskedmetosign
theirengagementletterfortheirservicesandIrefusedandtoldhimhehadtosignit.Itismyunderstandinghesignedtheir
engagementletter.


Asamatterofadditionalinformation,itwasreportedtomethatby
andconfirmedby
thatthe
officewhere
was
MayoronFeb.23,2015(couldhavebeen2/24/15.Iwillconfirmthedate)thatin
present,wassprayedwithLysolbytheMayoranddirectedat
buttocks.
oldmeshewasveryupsetaboutthis
behavior.AsIunderstanditwasunsolicitedbehavior.Itleft
veryuncomfortable.Iasked
whatshedidwhenthis
and
bothsaidthathepausedandthenasif
occurredandshetoldmethatsheaskedtheMayorwhathewasdoing.
herealizedwhathedidsaidhewasonlyjoking.IwasnotpresentduringthiseventandIamreportingonlywhatwastoldto
me.IhavesincereportedittoCouncilmanJohnParkonMarch6,2015andagaintoourcityattorneyTomKurrieonMarch
17.ThisisunacceptablebehaviorandIbelievethattheMayortookalibertyandcrossedthelinedoingsomethingthatI
considertobesexualharassment.

673

Thishasbecomeandcontinuestobeahostileworkenvironment.Iwritethisshortmemoandwillfollowupwithmoredetail
butIwantedtobeonrecordwithyouthatIhavetakennoteoftheincreaseddemeaningbehaviortowardsme.

Pleaseplacethisinmypersonalfile.


Thankyou
MarieL.Garrett
CityManager
4362PeachtreeRd
Atlanta,GA30319
4046370500









674

Sandra Bryant
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

Marie Garrett <marie.garrett@brookhavenga.gov>

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 10:47 AM
Rick Stone
Personnel Matters

Rick:

PleaseacceptthismemoasmystatementofconcernregardingrecenteventsbyMayorDavistowardsme.
SincethepublishingoftheAJCarticlewhereinIstatedthatBelindaDemoswashiredbytheMayorandtheMayorsstatement
thathemerelysuggestedshebehired,IhaveseeretaliatorybehaviorbytheMayortowardsme.DuringourtriptoDCto
attendtheMayorsConference,ItoldhiminaphonecallthatIwouldnotlieaboutBelindaandthathedidhireher.He
continuedtocoachmetosaythathedidnothireherwhichItoldhimwasnottrue.AtthetimehehiredBelinda,hetoldme
hehadthefullsupportofthecouncilofwhichIlearnedlaternotonecouncilmemberknewabouttheMayorshiringwhichis
adirectviolationofthecitysCharter.
Hehasdemeanedmeinpublicregardingtourismdollarsinanopencouncilmeetingonmyreportastohowtheyshouldnot
bespentforlocalevents(noteligible)whichhewantedmetodo,toberatingmeinanexecutivesessionovertheresignation
of


WhenMikeHassingerwashereservingastheVendorforCommunications,heberatedmeinexecutivesessionbecauseI
broughttohisattentionandrepeatedevenwhatMiketoldmethattheMayorwasdirectinghiswork.Thisisindirect
violationtothecityscharter.

Onarecentoccasion(3/6/15),IwasbeenbyacouncilmemberthattheMayortoldthemthatIwouldbegoneverysoon.I
havebeentoldbyastaffmemberthattheMayoralongwithBatesMattisontoldTreyBentonthatIwasgoingtobefiredthis
wasNov.2014.

IhavealsobeendirectedbytheMayortobidoutthebattingcagesforMCParkofwhichtheconsensusofCouncilwasnotto
payforbattingcagesuntilafterthemasterplanforMCPark.IcontinuetobepressuredtodothewrongthingbytheMayor
andwhenIrefusehestepsuphisangertowardsme.

IreceivedaverypositiveperformanceevaluationandthiswaspresentedtomebytheMayorandCouncilonFeb.10,2015(all
theelectedwerepresent).TheMayorsaidIwasdoinganexcellentjobandthatwewanttokeepyou.Sincethatevaluation,
Ihaveexperiencednegativebehaviortowardsme.

TheMayorhiredanindependentauditorandsaidthefullcouncilwasinagreement.Ihavesincelearnedthiswasnotthecase.
HishiringofthisfirmwhichwasnotbudgetedisaviolationoftheCharter.Hehasnoauthoritytohire.Heaskedmetosign
theirengagementletterfortheirservicesandIrefusedandtoldhimhehadtosignit.Itismyunderstandinghesignedtheir
engagementletter.


Asamatterofadditionalinformation,itwasreportedtomethatby
andconfirmedby
thatthe
officewhere
was
MayoronFeb.23,2015(couldhavebeen2/24/15.Iwillconfirmthedate)thatin
present,wassprayedwithLysolbytheMayoranddirectedat
buttocks.
toldmeshewasveryupsetaboutthis
behavior.AsIunderstanditwasunsolicitedbehavior.Itleft
veryuncomfortable.Iasked
whatshedidwhenthis
and
bothsaidthathepausedandthenasif
occurredandshetoldmethatsheaskedtheMayorwhathewasdoing.
herealizedwhathedidsaidhewasonlyjoking.IwasnotpresentduringthiseventandIamreportingonlywhatwastoldto
me.IhavesincereportedittoCouncilmanJohnParkonMarch6,2015andagaintoourcityattorneyTomKurrieonMarch
17.ThisisunacceptablebehaviorandIbelievethattheMayortookalibertyandcrossedthelinedoingsomethingthatI
considertobesexualharassment.

675

Thishasbecomeandcontinuestobeahostileworkenvironment.Iwritethisshortmemoandwillfollowupwithmoredetail
butIwantedtobeonrecordwithyouthatIhavetakennoteoftheincreaseddemeaningbehaviortowardsme.

Pleaseplacethisinmypersonalfile.


Thankyou
MarieL.Garrett
CityManager
4362PeachtreeRd
Atlanta,GA30319
4046370500









676

From:
Subject:
Date:
To:
Cc:

The Brookhaven Post editor@thebrookhavenpost.net

Refusal to disclose Public Records
June 11, 2015 at 1:31 PM
Thompson Kurrie, tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com
Marie Garrett marie.garrett@brookhavenga.gov, john.park@brookhavenga.gov, Joe Gebbia Joe.Gebbia@brookhavenga.gov,
Susan Hiott susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov, Bates Mattison Bates.mattison@brookhavenga.gov, linley.jones@brookhavenga.gov
, Rebecca C. Williams rebecca.williams@brookhavenga.gov

To#Whom#It#May#Concern:
In#response#to#the#email#enclosed,#which#was#sent#to#me#by#City#A7orney#Tom#Kurrie#and#dated#June#4th#at#
10:56#AM,#I#have#authored#the#following#rebu7al.#City#Clerk#Susan#Hio7#and#City#Manager#Marie#Garre7#were#
also#copied#on#the#June#4th#email.
I am at the end of my patience on this matter and see this as nothing other than stonewalling me and an attempt to violate my First
Amendment Rights as well as multiple Freedom of Information laws. Some of which I believe to border on criminal acts.
Additionally, it has come to my attention that ALL members of the City Council, the City Manager, the City Clerk and the City Attorney are all
aware of this attempt to cover-up this incident and have done so in a concerted effort to deny the release and access to public records. It has
also come to my attention the aforementioned City Officials are aware of the editing / altering of public records that the City disclosed on May
13th - also enclosed.
In accordance with 45-11-1. Offenses involving public records, documents, and other items, may also be a criminal act.
45-11-1. Offenses involving public records, documents, and other items
(a) If any public officer or other person shall steal, embezzle, alter, corrupt, withdraw, falsify, or
avoid any record, process, charter, gift, grant, conveyance, or contract; or shall knowingly and
willfully take off, discharge, or conceal any issue, forfeited recognizance, or other forfeiture; or
shall forge, deface, or falsify any document or instrument recorded or any registry,
acknowledgment, or certificate; or shall alter, deface, or falsify any minutes, document, book, or
any proceeding whatever of or belonging to any public office within this state; or if any person
shall cause or procure any of these offenses to be committed, or to be in any manner
concerned therein, he shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished
by imprisonment and labor in the penitentiary for not less than two years nor more than ten
years.Bates

I am requesting the immediate release of all of the records to which I have filed Open Records Requests, which involve J Max Davis spraying
a household product on a City Employee, the resulting investigation, and all correspondence concerning this matter as outlined in my requests
(also attached.)
I will also be filing an Official Complaint with the State of Georgia Attorney Generals Office and the Georgia Bar Association.
I regret the City has chosen to conduct the publics business in this matter.

Sincerely,
Trey Benton
Editor, The Brookhaven Post
404-345-0011
Editor@thebrookhavenpost.com

Brookhaven Post Open

Records Re2-2015.pdf

City#A4orney#Tom#Kurrie:
The$following$will$not$be$disclosed$or$redacted$for$the$reasons$cited$below:
1)$All$documents$rela9ng$to$any$complaint$led$with$the$EEOC$naming$the$City.$They$are$not$required$to$be$

1)$All$documents$rela9ng$to$any$complaint$led$with$the$EEOC$naming$the$City.$They$are$not$required$to$be$
disclosed$during$the$period$of$inves9ga9on$by$the$EEOC.$See,$OCGA$Sec9on$50#18#72(1).$As$I$am$sure$you$are$
aware$that$federal$law$requires$all$maGers$under$considera9on$by$the$EEOC$to$be$kept$conden9al.$While$such$
regula9on$ is$ directed$ to$ the$ EEOC,$ absent$ any$ case$ law$ in$ Georgia$ to$ the$ contrary,$ we$ believe$ that$ that$ this$
exemp9on$from$disclosure$of$maGers$involving$the$EEOC$is$applicable$with$respect$to$governmental$en99es$in$
Georgia.#
The#Brookhaven#Post:
The#City#A7orney#will#not#disclose#documents#relaKng#to#the#harassment#complaint#led#with#EEOC#involving#
former#Mayor#J.#Max#Davis.
#
City#A4orney#Tom#Kurrie:
2)$The$items$iden9ed$in$OCGA$Sec9ons$50#18#72(a)(20)(A)$and$50#18#72(a)(21)$will$be$redacted.#
The#Brookhaven#Post:
OCGA#SecKons#50>18>72#(a)(20)(A)#and#50>18>72(a)(21)#do#not#allow#redacKon#of#public#employees#names,#or#
details#regarding#personnel#ma7ers#involving#elected#ocials#and#city#employees#no#ma7er#how#
embarrassing#they#may#be.#The#March#18,#2015#email#between#City#Manager#Marie#Garre7#and#Human#
Resources#Director#Rick#Stone#should#be#released#in#its#original,#complete,#and#unWredacted#form.
Under#OCGA#SecKons#50>18>72#(a)(20)(A)#and#50>18>72(a)(21)#the#City#A7orney#is#only#allowed#to#redact#the#
following#informaKon:
OCGA#SecHon#50>18>72(a)(21):#
public#employees#home#address
home#telephone#number
day#and#month#of#birth
social#security#number
insurance#or#medical#informaKon
mothers#birth#name
credit#card#informaKon
debit#card#informaKon
bank#account#informaKon
account#number
uKlity#account#number
password#used#to#access#his#or#her#account#
nancial#data#or#informaKon#other#than#compensaKon#by#a#government#agency
unlisted#telephone#
idenKty#of#the#public#employees#immediate#family#members#or#dependents

OCGA#SecHon#50>18>72#(a)(20)(A):
individuals#social#security#number
mothers#birth#name
credit#card#informaKon
debit#card#informaKon
bank#account#informaKon
account#number
uKlity#account#number
password#used#to#access#his#or#her#account

password#used#to#access#his#or#her#account
nancial#data#or#informaKon
insurance#or#medical#informaKon#in#all#records
unlisted#telephone#number
personal#eWmail#address#or#cellular#telephone#number
day#and#month#of#birth
informaKon#regarding#public#uKlity,#television,#Internet,#or#telephone#accounts#held#by#private#customers

City#A4orney#Tom#Kurrie:
3)$Records$containing$communica9ons$subject$to$the$aGorney$client$privilege$will$not$be$disclosed.$
The#Brookhaven#Post:
A7orney#client#privilege#applies#to#communicaKons#between#the#City#A7orney#and#the#client#seeking#legal#
advice.#
The#City#A7orney#was#deliberately#and#intenKonally#excluded#from#the#email#communicaKon#between#City#
Manager#Marie#Garre7#and#Human#Resources#Director#Rick#Stone,#therefore#it#is#not#subject#to#a7orney#client#
privilege.#
All#public#records#are#subject#to#release#under#FOIA#with#limited#excepKon#(see$OCGA$Sec9ons,50#18#72,(a)(20)
(A)$and,50#18#72(a)(21)$listed$above).

City#A4orney#Tom#Kurrie:
4)$Other$than$to$the$extent$previously$disclosed,$the$contents$of$the$email$dated$March$18,$2015$at$10:46$AM$
from$Marie$GarreG$to$Rick$Stone$are$not$subject$to$disclosure:
a) The$paragraph$of$the$email$describing$the$aerosol$spray$incident$has$been$and$will$con9nue$to$be$
redacted$to$avoid$disclosure$that$would$invade$an$individuals$privacy.$Such$individuals$have$a$legi9mate$
expecta9on$of$privacy$and$that$privacy$interest$outweighs$the$public$need$for$disclosure.$See,$OCGA$
Sec9on$50#18#72(a)(2)$and$Ar.cle,I,,Sec.on,I,and,Paragraph,I,of,the,Georgia,Cons.tu.on.
The#Brookhaven#Post:
According#to#OCGA#SecKon#50>18>72(a)(2),#Medical$or$veterinary$records$and$similar$les#are#not#subject#to#
disclosure.#However,#names#of#public#employees#and#details#of#personnel#ma7ers#involving#elected#ocials#
and#city#employees#are#not#considered#private#and#are#subject#to#disclosure.
The#right#to#privacy#does#not#outweigh#the#public#need#for#disclosure,#according#to#OCGA#SecKon#50>18>70(a):#
The$General$Assembly$nds$and$declares$that$the$strong$public$policy$of$this$state$is$in$favor$of$open$
government;$that$open$government$is$essen9al$to$a$free,$open,$and$democra9c$society;$and$that$public$access$
to$public$records$should$be$encouraged$to$foster$condence$in$government$and$so$that$the$public$can$evaluate$
the$expenditure$of$public$funds$and$the$ecient$and$proper$func9oning$of$its$ins9tu9ons.$The$General$
Assembly$further$nds$and$declares$that$there$is$a$strong$presump9on$that$public$records$should$be$made$
available$for$public$inspec9on$without$delay.$This,ar.cle,shall,be,broadly,construed,to,allow,the,inspec.on,of,
governmental,records.$The$excep.ons$set$forth$in$this$ar9cle,$together$with$any$other$excep9on$located$
elsewhere$in$the$Code,$shall,be,interpreted,narrowly$to$exclude$only$those$por9ons$of$records$addressed$by$
such$excep9on.
OCGA#SecKons#50>18>72#(a)(20)(A)#and#50>18>72(a)(21)#do#not#allow#redacKon#of#public#employees#names,#or#
details#regarding#personnel#ma7ers#involving#elected#ocials#and#city#employees#no#ma7er#how#
embarrassing#they#may#be.

embarrassing#they#may#be.
The#March#18,#2015#email#between#City#Manager#Marie#Garre7#and#Human#Resources#Director#Rick#Stone#in#
which#City#Manager#Garre7#relates#ma7ers#involving#elected#ocials#qualies#in#its#enKrety#as#a#public#
record.#There#is#no#legiKmate#expectaKon#of#privacy#since#all#public#records#are#subject#to#release#under#OCGA#
SecKon#50>18>70(b)(2)#with#limited#excepKon#(see$OCGA$Sec9ons,50#18#72,(a)(20)(A)$and,50#18#72(a)(21)$
listed$above).

City#A4orney#Tom#Kurrie:
b) The$remainder$of$the$document$is$not$subject$to$disclosure:
The#Brookhaven#Post:
The#City#A7orney#deliberately#removed#a#porKon#of#the#content#from#a#public#record#prior#to#its#disclosure#for#
the#sole#purpose#of#hiding#the#informaKon#it#contained.#According#to#OCGA#SecKon#50>18>74(a)#persons#or#
enKKes#that#destroy#or#alter#records#for#the#purpose#of#prevenKng#their#disclosure#may#be#subject#to#
prosecuKon#under#OCGA#SecKon#45>11>1.#
Under#OCGA#SecKon#45>11>1(a),#to#alter,#remove#or#destroy#a#porKon#of#a#public#record#so#as#to#conceal#an#
issue#it#contains#is#a#felony#(see$below).
,45#11#1.,,Oenses,involving,public,records,,documents,,and,other,items
(a)$If$any$public$ocer$or$other$person$shall$steal,$embezzle,$alter,$corrupt,$withdraw,$falsify,$or$avoid$
any$record,$process,$charter,$gi\,$grant,$conveyance,$or$contract;$or$shall$knowingly$and$willfully$take$
o,$discharge,$or$conceal$any$issue,$forfeited$recognizance,$or$other$forfeiture;$or$shall$forge,$deface,$or$
falsify$any$document$or$instrument$recorded$or$any$registry,$acknowledgment,$or$cer9cate;$or$shall$
alter,$deface,$or$falsify$any$minutes,$document,$book,$or$any$proceeding$whatever$of$or$belonging$to$
any$public$oce$within$this$state;$or$if$any$person$shall$cause$or$procure$any$of$these$oenses$to$be$
commiGed,$or$to$be$in$any$manner$concerned$therein,$he$shall$be$guilty$of$a$felony$and,$upon$
convic9on$thereof,$shall$be$punished$by$imprisonment$and$labor$in$the$peniten9ary$for$not$less$than$
two$years$nor$more$than$ten$years.
$
City#A4orney#Tom#Kurrie:
i)$The$subject$maGer$is$not$a$public$record$within$the$meaning$of$OCGA$Sec9on$50#18#70(b)
(2).$$This$material$is$personal$in$nature$and$was$not$prepared$in$the$performance$of$a$service$
or$func9on$for$or$on$behalf$of$the$agency.#
The#Brookhaven#Post:
On#Wednesday,#March#18,#2015#at#4:00pm#(a#weekday#during#business#hours)#both#Garre7#and#Stone#are#
acKng#in#their#ocial#capaciKes#as#City#Manager#and#Human#Resources#Director.#In#the#email,#Garre7#is#
performing$the$service$and$func9on$of$City$Manager$on$behalf$of$the$City$of$Brookhaven#by#relaKng#ma7ers#
involving#elected#ocials#and#city#employees,#etc.#to#Stone,#who#is#performing$the$service$and$func9on$of$
Human$Resources$Director$on$behalf$of$the$City$of$Brookhaven,#therefore#the#enKre#communicaKon#qualies#as#
a#public#record#and#is#subject#to#disclosure#under#FOIA.
There#is#no#excepKon#under#OCGA#SecKon#50>18>70(b)(2)#for#not#disclosing#public#records#because#the#City#
A7orney#believes#the#subject#ma7er#is#unrelated#to#ocial#city#business.#

According#to#the#City#of#Brookhaven#Charter,#the#city#manager#is#required#to#spend#all#working#Kme#exclusively#
on#ocial#city#business#(see$below).$
SECTION,3.03.,The$city$manager$shall$be$the$chief$administra9ve$ocer$of$the$government$of$the$
city.,The,city,manager,must,devote,all,of,his,or,her,working,.me,and,aSen.on,to,the,aairs,of,the,
city$and$shall$be$responsible$to$the$mayor$and$city$council$for$the$proper$and$ecient$administra9on$
of$the$aairs$of$the$city$over$which$said$ocer$has$jurisdic9on.

City#A4orney#Tom#Kurrie:
ii)$If$the$subject$maGer$is$determined$to$be$a$public$record:
1)$The$subject$maGer$had$been$discussed$privately$with$the$City$AGorney$on$March$
17$and$is$subject$to$the$aGorney$client$privilege$pursuant$to$OCGA$Sec9on$50#18#
72(a)(41).
The#Brookhaven#Post:
Since#the#City#A7orney#was#deliberately#and#intenKonally#excluded#from#the#communicaKon#between#City#
Manager#Marie#Garre7#and#Human#Resources#Director#Rick#Stone,#the#email#is#not#subject#to#a7orney#client#
privilege#under#OCGA#SecKon#50>18>72(a)(41)#and#is#therefore#subject#to#disclosure.
#
City#A4orney#Tom#Kurrie:
2)$The$subject$maGer$if$disclosed$would$invade$Ms.$GarreGs$right$to$privacy.$See,$
OCGA$Sec9on$50#18#72(a)(2)$and$Ar.cle,I,,Sec.on,I,and,Paragraph,I,of,the,Georgia,
Cons.tu.on.
The#Brookhaven#Post:
Please#see#response#to#4.a.#(above).

From:
Subject:
Date:
To:

City of Brookhaven news@brookhavenga.gov

STATEMENT FROM THE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN
May 13, 2015 at 5:25 PM
jlbenton3@gmail.com

STATEMENT FROM THE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN

Brookhaven, GA, May 13, 2015 At the direction of the city manager, the city attorney on March 17, 2015, commenced
the investigation of an incident where an aerosol can was sprayed in the vicinity of two
city employees by the mayor. After interviewing the two employees, the mayor, the city
manager and the human resources director, Mr. Tom Kurrie has concluded that there
was no intentional conduct that rose to the level of harassment of any type. Neither of
the employees involved claimed or inferred that this incident involving the mayor was
sexual or harassing in nature. Mayor J. Max Davis said, "I have spoken with both
employees present and they have accepted the sincere apology that I offered. The
action was innocent and was not intended to bring discomfort."
Mr. Kurrie also said that "There is not presently nor was there any investigation of
sexual harassment being conducted by the City of Brookhaven. Furthermore, there has
been no claim or complaint filed by anyone, employee or otherwise, alleging sexual
harassment by the Mayor."
###
news@brookhavenga.gov

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City of Brookhaven | 4362 Peachtree Rd | Brookhaven | GA | 30319

From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:

John Park
Friday, May 15, 2015 3:54 PM
Tom Kurrie
Rebecca C. Williams; Bates Mattison; Joe Gebbia; J. Max Davis; Marie
Garrett
Redacted open records act e-mail

Tom,
Thank you for meeting with me this morning and providing the briefing of events. Upon further
reflection, after reviewing the released redacted document in comparison to the e-mail you
showed me on paper this morning (prior to our meeting I hadn't seen the document in its
entirety), I believe that we are in violation of Title 45 Chapter 11 section 1 of the Georgia Code
because the released document was altered and there were several paragraphs not
included. Also, I see no reason for any references of me to be redacted. Unless there is a legal
reason that I am not aware of and since I am not in possession of the e-mail, I believe that the
document should be released in full.
The citizens want an open and transparent government.
Regards,
John Park
City council District 2
Brookhaven City Hall
4362 Peachtree Road
Brookhaven, GA. 30319
Office: 404-637-0714
Cell: 404-822-7059
www.brookhavenga.gov

Sandra Bryant
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:

Thompson Kurrie, Jr. <tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com>

Thursday, May 14, 2015 6:59 PM
'Marie Garrett (Marie.Garrett@brookhavenga.gov)'; J. Max Davis
FW: Open Records Request AJC
image001.jpg; FW: Request re: Fazellete Gonzalez - Attorney Client Priv.

FYI

From: Thompson Kurrie, Jr.

Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 6:54 PM
To: 'john.edwards@ajc.com'
Cc: Susan Hiott (susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov)
Subject: Open Records Request AJC

Mr.Edwards,

PleaseseetheattachedemailresponsefromMs.Hiottsupplementedasfollows:

1. TheAJCreportedthatMeganMattuccisaidthatanEEOCcomplainthadbeenfiled.Iwillnotcommentnor
discloseanrecordofanysuchcomplaintbecausesuchinformationistobekeptconfidentialbyfederal
statute.See,OCGASection501872.
2. Enclosedpleasefindthelanguagewithintheemailrequested,portionsofthelanguageandtheemailhave
redactedto:
a. Avoiddisclosurethatwouldinvadeanindividualsprivacy.Suchindividualshavealegitimate
expectationofprivacyandthatprivacyinterestoutweighsthepublicneedfordisclosure.Fadjov.Coon,
633F.2d1172(5thCir.1981);Fincherv.StateofGeorgia,etal.,231Ga.App.49(1998),and
b. Avoiddisclosureofconfidentialattorneyworkproduct.See,OCGASection151872(41).

Thompson Kurrie, Jr.

Partner
Coleman | Talley LLP
3475 Lenox Road. N.E. | Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30326
D: 678-987-0936 | F: 770-698-9729 | C: 229-300-1404
tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com | www.colemantalley.com
NOTICE:Thiscommunicationmaycontainprivilegedorotherconfidentialinformationanditsdisclosureisstrictlylimitedtotherecipientintendedbythesenderofthis
message.Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,orbelievethatyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,pleasedonotprint,copy,retransmit,disseminate,orotherwise
usetheinformation.Also,pleaseindicatetothesenderthatyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,anddeletethecopyyoureceived.Youmaynotrelyonanylegal
conclusionsoropinionsexpressedinthiscommunication.Nodutiesareassumed,intendedorcreatedbythiscommunication.Noattorneyclientrelationshipexistsunlessa
formalwrittenagreementhasbeenenteredintobetweenthislawfirmandtherecipientofthisemail.

From: Thompson Kurrie, Jr.

Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 5:59 PM
1

To: 'erica.byfield@wsbtv.com'
Cc: Susan Hiott (susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov)
Subject: ORR 2015 WSBTV

Ms.Byfield,

Enclosedpleasefindthelanguagewithintheemailrequested,portionsofthelanguageandtheemailhaveredactedto:

1. Avoiddisclosurethatwouldinvadeanindividualsprivacy.Suchindividualshavealegitimateexpectationof
privacyandthatprivacyinterestoutweighsthepublicneedfordisclosure.Fadjov.Coon,633F.2d1172(5thCir.
1981);Fincherv.StateofGeorgia,etal.,231Ga.App.49(1998),and
2. Avoiddisclosureofconfidentialattorneyworkproduct.See,OCGASection151872(41).

Thompson Kurrie, Jr.

Partner
Coleman | Talley LLP
3475 Lenox Road. N.E. | Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30326
D: 678-987-0936 | F: 770-698-9729 | C: 229-300-1404
tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com | www.colemantalley.com
NOTICE:Thiscommunicationmaycontainprivilegedorotherconfidentialinformationanditsdisclosureisstrictlylimitedtotherecipientintendedbythesenderofthis
message.Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,orbelievethatyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,pleasedonotprint,copy,retransmit,disseminate,orotherwise
usetheinformation.Also,pleaseindicatetothesenderthatyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,anddeletethecopyyoureceived.Youmaynotrelyonanylegal
conclusionsoropinionsexpressedinthiscommunication.Nodutiesareassumed,intendedorcreatedbythiscommunication.Noattorneyclientrelationshipexistsunlessa
formalwrittenagreementhasbeenenteredintobetweenthislawfirmandtherecipientofthisemail.

Sandra Bryant
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:

Thompson Kurrie, Jr. <tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com>

Thursday, May 14, 2015 6:54 PM
john.edwards@ajc.com
Susan Hiott (susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov)
Open Records Request AJC
image001.jpg; FW: Request re: Fazellete Gonzalez - Attorney Client Priv.

Mr.Edwards,

PleaseseetheattachedemailresponsefromMs.Hiottsupplementedasfollows:

1. TheAJCreportedthatMeganMattuccisaidthatanEEOCcomplainthadbeenfiled.Iwillnotcommentnor
discloseanrecordofanysuchcomplaintbecausesuchinformationistobekeptconfidentialbyfederal
statute.See,OCGASection501872.
2. Enclosedpleasefindthelanguagewithintheemailrequested,portionsofthelanguageandtheemailhave
redactedto:
a. Avoiddisclosurethatwouldinvadeanindividualsprivacy.Suchindividualshavealegitimate
expectationofprivacyandthatprivacyinterestoutweighsthepublicneedfordisclosure.Fadjov.Coon,
633F.2d1172(5thCir.1981);Fincherv.StateofGeorgia,etal.,231Ga.App.49(1998),and
b. Avoiddisclosureofconfidentialattorneyworkproduct.See,OCGASection151872(41).

Thompson Kurrie, Jr.

Partner
Coleman | Talley LLP
3475 Lenox Road. N.E. | Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30326
D: 678-987-0936 | F: 770-698-9729 | C: 229-300-1404
tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com | www.colemantalley.com
NOTICE:Thiscommunicationmaycontainprivilegedorotherconfidentialinformationanditsdisclosureisstrictlylimitedtotherecipientintendedbythesenderofthis
message.Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,orbelievethatyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,pleasedonotprint,copy,retransmit,disseminate,orotherwise
usetheinformation.Also,pleaseindicatetothesenderthatyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,anddeletethecopyyoureceived.Youmaynotrelyonanylegal
conclusionsoropinionsexpressedinthiscommunication.Nodutiesareassumed,intendedorcreatedbythiscommunication.Noattorneyclientrelationshipexistsunlessa
formalwrittenagreementhasbeenenteredintobetweenthislawfirmandtherecipientofthisemail.

From: Thompson Kurrie, Jr.

Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 5:59 PM
To: 'erica.byfield@wsbtv.com'
Cc: Susan Hiott (susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov)
Subject: ORR 2015 WSBTV

Ms.Byfield,

Enclosedpleasefindthelanguagewithintheemailrequested,portionsofthelanguageandtheemailhaveredactedto:
3


1. Avoiddisclosurethatwouldinvadeanindividualsprivacy.Suchindividualshavealegitimateexpectationof
privacyandthatprivacyinterestoutweighsthepublicneedfordisclosure.Fadjov.Coon,633F.2d1172(5thCir.
1981);Fincherv.StateofGeorgia,etal.,231Ga.App.49(1998),and
2. Avoiddisclosureofconfidentialattorneyworkproduct.See,OCGASection151872(41).

Thompson Kurrie, Jr.

Partner
Coleman | Talley LLP
3475 Lenox Road. N.E. | Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30326
D: 678-987-0936 | F: 770-698-9729 | C: 229-300-1404
tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com | www.colemantalley.com
NOTICE:Thiscommunicationmaycontainprivilegedorotherconfidentialinformationanditsdisclosureisstrictlylimitedtotherecipientintendedbythesenderofthis
message.Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,orbelievethatyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,pleasedonotprint,copy,retransmit,disseminate,orotherwise
usetheinformation.Also,pleaseindicatetothesenderthatyouhavereceivedthiscommunicationinerror,anddeletethecopyyoureceived.Youmaynotrelyonanylegal
conclusionsoropinionsexpressedinthiscommunication.Nodutiesareassumed,intendedorcreatedbythiscommunication.Noattorneyclientrelationshipexistsunlessa
formalwrittenagreementhasbeenenteredintobetweenthislawfirmandtherecipientofthisemail.

Sandra Bryant
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

william hines, jr <

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 8:56 PM
J. Max Davis; Marie Garrett; Tom Kurrie
Claims of Sexual Harassment by Brookhaven Mayor Davis

Mayor Davis, Brookhaven City Manager Marie Garrett, Brookhaven City Attorney Tom Kurrie,
Brookhaven Communications Director Megan Mattencci
I am disheartened to read the news of the day on The Brookhaven Post. Please take all claims of
sexual harassment seriously and investigate thoroughly and report to the public completely all
findings. If there are no claims of sexual harassment to the City of Brookhaven HR department or the
EEOC as of today 13 May 2015, please explain why the City of Brookhaven's Communications
director is making such statements to the press. If Megan Mattencci made a mistake ALL media
outlets need to be notified before this goes to print.
This needs much attention at many levels. Please investigate the claims of sexual harassment and
Megan Mattencci statements to the press as a official spokes person of the City of Brookhaven.
If Mayor Davis is found to have sexually harassed City employees after due process I expect him to
resign immediately.
If Megan Mattencci is found to have provided inaccurate information to the press about an
investigation into the actions of an elected official of the City of Brookhaven after due process is
granted to her, her employment should be terminated.
Lets be fair to Mayor J. Max Davis and Megan Mattencci.
Thank you,
Will Hines

Sandra Bryant
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

The Brookhaven Post | Brookhaven, GA <donotreply@wordpress.com>

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 5:59 PM
patrice.ruffin@brookhavenga.gov
[New post] City responds to claims of sexual harassment by Brookhaven Mayor

The Brookhaven Post posted: " Brookhaven, GA, May 12, 2015 - The Post Reports - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported
Wednesday morning that Brookhaven spokeswoman Megan Matteucci confirmed a complaint has been made by a City
employee accusing Mayor J. Max Davis of sexual harass"

New post on The Brookhaven Post |

Brookhaven, GA
City responds to claims of sexual harassment by
Brookhaven Mayor

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect y our p

prev ented au tomatic download of this picture from the Intern

by The Brookhaven Post

Brookhaven, GA, May 12, 2015 - The Post Reports - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported
Wednesday morning that Brookhaven spokeswoman Megan Matteucci confirmed a complaint has been
made by a City employee accusing Mayor J. Max Davis of sexual harassment. According to the report,
City Attorney Tom Kurrie is investigating the issue. Following up on this report, The Post spoke []
Read more of this post
The Brookhaven Post | May 13, 2015 at 5:58 pm | Tags: Brookhaven GA, Brookhaven GA EEOC Claims, Brookhaven Mayor
'Sexual Harassment", The Brookhaven Post | Categories: City of Brookhaven | URL: http://wp.me/p44DdC-7Pz

Comment

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Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions.
Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser:
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Right-click
download
help protec
Outlo ok pr
auto matic d
this pictu re
In ternet.

Sandra Bryant
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

The Brookhaven Post | Brookhaven, GA <donotreply@wordpress.com>

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 5:59 PM
bates.mattison@brookhavenga.gov
[New post] City responds to claims of sexual harassment by Brookhaven Mayor

The Brookhaven Post posted: " Brookhaven, GA, May 12, 2015 - The Post Reports - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported
Wednesday morning that Brookhaven spokeswoman Megan Matteucci confirmed a complaint has been made by a City
employee accusing Mayor J. Max Davis of sexual harass"

New post on The Brookhaven Post |

Brookhaven, GA
City responds to claims of sexual harassment by
Brookhaven Mayor

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect y our p

prev ented au tomatic download of this picture from the Intern

by The Brookhaven Post

Brookhaven, GA, May 12, 2015 - The Post Reports - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported
Wednesday morning that Brookhaven spokeswoman Megan Matteucci confirmed a complaint has been
made by a City employee accusing Mayor J. Max Davis of sexual harassment. According to the report,
City Attorney Tom Kurrie is investigating the issue. Following up on this report, The Post spoke []
Read more of this post
The Brookhaven Post | May 13, 2015 at 5:58 pm | Tags: Brookhaven GA, Brookhaven GA EEOC Claims, Brookhaven Mayor
'Sexual Harassment", The Brookhaven Post | Categories: City of Brookhaven | URL: http://wp.me/p44DdC-7Pz

Comment

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Right-click
download
help protec
Outlo ok pr
auto matic d
this pictu re
In ternet.

From:
Sent:
To:

Subject:

John Park
Saturday, June 06, 2015 5:30 PM
Rebecca C. Williams (rebecca.williams@brookhavenga.gov); Joe Gebbia
(joe.gebbia@brookhavenga.gov); Bates Mattison
(bates.mattison@brookhavenga.gov)
RE: Open Records Request re: Davis incident

All,
After reading Mr. Edwards' response, I have some serious concerns. As I stated in a previous email, I
believe that our best course of action is to release all e-mails. On its face, it looks like the city is trying to
hide something.
I am particularly bothered that my name has been redacted, since it looks like I have something to hide.
I ask that any references to me not be redacted. It is my right to waive any right to privacy I might have.
He asserts "that additional material in this city document has been made to appear as if it did not
exist." I don't have a copy of the e-mail, but I do remember that several paragraphs were omitted
rather than merely redacted from the e-mail that I was shown, so it seems that his assertion is true.
I stress the fact that it looks like we have something to hide, and it seems that this will all get released
eventually. I think it's best to "rip the band-aid" now.
As public officials, I don't believe we have any right to privacy. I ask that we release all requested
documents immediately.
Sincerely,
John Park
City council District 2
Brookhaven City Hall
4362 Peachtree Road
Brookhaven, GA. 30319
Office: 404-637-0714
Cell: 404-822-7059
www.brookhavenga.gov
From: Thompson Kurrie, Jr. [mailto:tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com]
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2015 2:40 PM
To: Edwards, John R. (CMG-Atlanta); Susan Hiott
Cc: Gaither, Lesli <LGaither@kilpatricktownsend.com> (LGaither@kilpatricktownsend.com); Schneider,
Craig (CMG-Atlanta); Byfield, Erica (CMG-Atlanta)
Subject: RE: Open Records Request re: Davis incident
Mr. Edwards,
Ms. Hiott and I have reviewed the number of the 226 emails that will be subject to redacted for the
reasons cited in my prior email. She will be providing to you that information. Further, the search

erroneously did not include M. Mattuci emails which have been ordered. Thus, there will be more
emails to review.
I previously have given you our legal position on disclosure and redaction. I shall not comment further.
Thank you.
Thompson Kurrie, Jr.
Partner
Coleman | Talley LLP
3475 Lenox Road. N.E. | Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30326
D: 678-987-0936 | F: 770-698-9729 | C: 229-300-1404
tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com | www.colemantalley.com
NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information and its disclosure is strictly limited to the recipient intended by the
sender of this message. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy,
retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this communication in error, and
delete the copy you received. You may not rely on any legal conclusions or opinions expressed in this communication. No duties are assumed, intended
or created by this communication. No attorney-client relationship exists unless a formal written agreement has been entered into between this law firm
and the recipient of this email.

From: Edwards, John R. (CMG-Atlanta) [mailto:John.Edwards@ajc.com]

Sent: Friday, June 05, 2015 11:38 AM
To: Thompson Kurrie, Jr.; susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov
Cc: Gaither, Lesli <LGaither@kilpatricktownsend.com> (LGaither@kilpatricktownsend.com); Schneider,
Craig (CMG-Atlanta); Byfield, Erica (CMG-Atlanta)
Subject: RE: Open Records Request re: Davis incident

Mr. Kurrie and Ms. Hiott,

I am still waiting for answers to questions I asked three days ago. I reiterate: How many of the 226 or so
emails do you intend to make redactions to? Are the emails you speak of the only responsive documents
that exist? Other than Mr. Kurries investigative documents, does the city or its employees possess any
other communications, memorandums or video/audio recordings on this subject matter?
Regarding the exemptions cited in Mr. Kurries Wednesday email, the majority of them are not valid
reasons to deny access in this case. I believe my request is being needlessly belabored and delayed, and
I strongly request that you reconsider and expedite production of these records which belong to the
public.
The exemption cited in Mr. Kurries paragraph 1 does not apply to city communications discussing the
existence of an EEOC complaint. I am not asking for the EEOC complaint itself. 50-18-72(1) may not be
used to withhold documents that mention or discuss such a complaint.

I cannot yet comment on your citations in paragraphs 2 and 3 because the city has not produced any
documents in response to my request (save one city policy), so I do not have the benefit of knowing
what you plan to withhold or redact under those citations. When the city does produce records, if you
withhold records or make redactions, I ask that in each case you specify what type of information is
being withheld under these code sections, subsections and paragraphs.
As to paragraph 4, concerning the email that you have previously released in heavily-redacted form, the
city will be in violation of the Georgia Open Records Act if it continues to withhold that record in
unaltered form. You may not cite privacy to withhold records generated by city email or in the
conducting of city business. Contrary to your assertion in subparagraph (b)(i), city emails or emails
produced in conducting city business most certainly are public records as described in 50-18-70(b)(2).
Neither that citation nor the Georgia Constitution may be used to deny public access. You are suggesting
that a communication between the city manager and the human resources director, concerning in part
an incident involving the mayor and an employee that took place in the city office space, is personal in
nature and not part of city business. This seems disingenuous at best. I am also concerned that
additional material in this city document has been made to appear as if it did not exist.
You also cite 50-18-72(a)(2), but an email concerning the mayors behavior toward a female city
employee is clearly not a medical or veterinary record. Nor could the remainder of the email constitute
such a record, for that matter. You have no basis for redacting employees names, city officials names
or details of the incident and ensuing complaint. And the mere fact that Mr. Kurrie has discussed this
matter does not allow the city to withhold these public documents under attorney-client privilege.
I am highly concerned about the citys intentions in responding to my open records request filed 8
business days ago. I have therefore alerted attorneys for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Channel 2
Action News, and they will be following up early next week.
Again, I strongly ask that you reconsider and make all of the records I have requested immediately
available, in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act.
Regards,
Johnny R. Edwards
Staff Writer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
223 Perimeter Center Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30346
direct: (404) 526-7209
E-mail: jredwards@ajc.com

Twitter: @JohnEdwardsAJC

From: Thompson Kurrie, Jr. [mailto:tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com]

Sent: Wednesday, June 03, 2015 3:02 PM
To: Edwards, John R. (CMG-Atlanta); susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov
Cc: Schneider, Craig (CMG-Atlanta)
Subject: RE: Open Records Request re: Davis incident

Mr. Edwards,
My apology for my tardiness to responding to you because of my scheduling issues and researching the
disclosure issues:
Ms. Hiott is compiling the list of the emails and other documents requested by you. I will be completing
my investigative memorandum of finding of facts and conclusions of law with respect to the aerosol
spray incident hopefully by the end of this week.
The following will not be disclosed or redacted for the reasons cited below:
1.

All documents relating to any complaint filed with the EEOC naming the City. They are not
required to be disclosed during the period of investigation by the EEOC. See, OCGA Section 5018-72(1). As I am sure you are aware that federal law requires all matters under consideration
by the EEOC to be kept confidential. While such regulation is directed to the EEOC, absent any
case law in Georgia to the contrary, we believe that that this exemption from disclosure of
matters involving the EEOC is applicable with respect to governmental entities in Georgia.
2. The items identified in OCGA Sections 50-18-72(a)(20)(A) and 50-18-72(a)(21) will be redacted.
3. Records containing communications subject to the attorney client privilege will not be
disclosed.
4. Other than to the extent previously disclosed, the contents of the email dated March 18, 2015
at 10:46 AM from Marie Garrett to Rick Stone are not subject to disclosure:
a. The paragraph of the email describing the aerosol spray incident has been and will
continue to be redacted to avoid disclosure that would invade an individuals
privacy. Such individuals have a legitimate expectation of privacy and that privacy
interest outweighs the public need for disclosure. See, OCGA Section 50-18-72(a)(2) and
Article I, Section I and Paragraph I of the Georgia Constitution.
b. The remainder of the document is not subject to disclosure:
i. The subject matter is not a public record within the
meaning of OCGA Section 50-18-70(b)(2). This material is personal in nature
and was not prepared in the performance of a service or function for or on
behalf of the agency.
ii. If the subject matter is determined to be a public
record:
1. The subject matter had been discussed privately with the City Attorney
on March 17 and is subject to the attorney client privilege pursuant to
OCGA Section 50-18-72(a)(41).
2. The subject matter if disclosed would invade Ms. Garretts right to
privacy. See, OCGA Section 50-18-72(a)(2) and Article I, Section I and
Paragraph I of the Georgia Constitution.
Thompson Kurrie, Jr.
Partner
Coleman | Talley LLP
3475 Lenox Road. N.E. | Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30326
D: 678-987-0936 | F: 770-698-9729 | C: 229-300-1404
tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com | www.colemantalley.com

NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information and its disclosure is strictly limited to the recipient intended by the
sender of this message. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy,
retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this communication in error, and
delete the copy you received. You may not rely on any legal conclusions or opinions expressed in this communication. No duties are assumed, intended
or created by this communication. No attorney-client relationship exists unless a formal written agreement has been entered into between this law firm
and the recipient of this email.

From: Edwards, John R. (CMG-Atlanta) [mailto:John.Edwards@ajc.com]

Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2015 9:54 AM
To: susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov
Cc: Thompson Kurrie, Jr.; Schneider, Craig (CMG-Atlanta)
Subject: Open Records Request re: Davis incident

Good morning Ms. Hiott,

Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, this is to respectfully request access to inspect and copy the
following public records:

All investigative documents related to an incident involving J. Max Davis where "an aerosol
can was sprayed in the vicinity of two city employees by the mayor," as stated in a city news
release.
All documents and records related to that incident, including city emails, memorandums and
video/audio recordings.
This request includes, but is not limited to, all emails or written communications sent or
received by the following persons, or between the following persons, regarding this incident
and resulting media inquiries and open records requests: Marie Garrett, Rick Stone, Megan
Matteucci, J. Max Davis and Thompson Kurrie.
This request also includes, but is not limited to, any internal communications involving a
related complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The citys current policy regarding workplace harassment and sexual harassment.
The citys current policy regarding open records requests.

If possible, I would appreciate having these documents scanned electronically and emailed to me. I also
ask that, should time be required for retrieval, these records be made available to me as they are
located, as opposed to withholding them until all documents are complied.
As you know, the Act does not require an agency to impose fees for providing access to public records,
but if your agency intends to do so, we ask that they comply with the terms of the Act. Under the law,

an agency shall utilize the most economical means reasonably calculated to identify and produce
responsive, nonexcluded documents. . [T]he charge for the search, retrieval, or redaction of records
shall not exceed the prorated hourly salary of the lowest paid full-time employee who, in the reasonable
discretion of the custodian of the records, has the necessary skill and training to perform the request;
provided, however, that no charge shall be made for the first quarter hour. O.C.G.A. 50-18-71(c)(1). In
addition, according to O.C.G.A. 50-18-71(c)(2), copying charges are not to exceed $0.10 per page or
the actual cost of the CD, DVD or other media if electronic records are produced.
I am prepared to pay reasonable search and retrieval fees, but please provide me with a cost estimate
prior to fulfilling this request. If costs are estimated to exceed $25, your agency is required to notify me
within three business days. O.C.G.A. 50-18-71(d). As you know, advance payment is not required unless
costs will exceed $500. See O.C.G.A. 50-18-71(d).
If my request is denied in whole or in part, the law requires your agency to justify all redactions by
reference to the exemptions in the Act, specifying code section, subsection and paragraph. O.C.G.A.
50-18-71(d). The law also requires you to release all other portions of a record that contains exempt
material. O.C.G.A. 50-18-72(b).
The Georgia Open Records Act sets criminal and civil penalties of $1,000 for any person or entity that
fails to comply with the terms of the Act. O.C.G.A. 50-18-74. Therefore, I will expect your agency to
produce the requested records within the three-day limit or give written reasons why the records are
unavailable in this time period and a timetable for their prompt production. O.C.G.A. 50-1871(b)(1)(A).
Thank you for your attention to this request. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 404-526-7209 or
jredwards@ajc.com if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Johnny R. Edwards
Staff Writer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
223 Perimeter Center Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30346
direct: (404) 526-7209
E-mail: jredwards@ajc.com

Twitter: @JohnEdwardsAJC

Please provide a timeline when the compliant came in and the start of the investigation, which
city officials or employees were notified of the results and which City officials or employees
have viewed the results of the Investigation.
PART B) Please provide ALL email correspondence, phone records, text messages between
ANY City of Brookhaven Employee or Elected Official and Megan Matteucci between the dates
of March 10, 2015 and May 22, 2015.
PART C) Please supply any and all emails and or records to or from Fazillette Gonzalez (Faz)
concerning the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform me if the cost will exceed
$200.00.
The Georgia Open Records Act requires a response time within three business days. If access to the
records I am requesting will take longer than three days, please contact me with information about
when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.
If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to
release the information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.
Thank you in advance for fulfilling this request.
Sincerely,

____________________________________________________________________
(Trey Benton, Editor, The Brookhaven Post)

Addendum A

ADDENDUM "B"
From:
Subject:
Date:
To:

Trey Benton jlbenton3@mac.com

Re: ORR 2015-89
May 6, 2015 at 5:15 PM
Thompson Kurrie, Jr. tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com

Morning Tom. Could you please give me an update on this investigation. And in what date did the investigation start?
Thank you.
Trey
Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos or sentences that do not make any sense.
On Apr 29, 2015, at 8:42 AM, Thompson Kurrie, Jr. <tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com> wrote:

OK
#
From: jlbenton3 [mailto:jlbenton3@mac.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 9:40 AM
To: Thompson Kurrie, Jr.
Subject: Re: ORR 2015-89

Call you in 5
On Apr 29, 2015, at 8:39 AM, Thompson Kurrie, Jr.
<tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com> wrote:
229&300&1404#cell.##678&987&0936#oce
#
From: jlbenton3 [mailto:jlbenton3@mac.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 9:38 AM
To: Thompson Kurrie, Jr.
Subject: Re: ORR 2015-89

Hi Tom. Can you please send me your number?

Thanks!
Trey
On Apr 29, 2015, at 8:35 AM, Thompson Kurrie, Jr.
<tom.kurrie@colemantalley.com> wrote:
Trey,
#
They#are#subject#to#public#disclosure#10#days#aBer#the#compleDon#of#the
invesDgaDon.##Call#me#on#my#cell#phone.
#
Regards#and#hope#you#are#enjoying#the#Big#D#during#your#travels.##Miss
seeing#you#at#the#meeDngs.
#
Tom

Tom
#
From: Trey Benton [mailto:jlbenton3@mac.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2015 5:57 PM
To: Susan Hiott
Cc: Thompson Kurrie, Jr.; Marie Garrett
Subject: Re: ORR 2015-89

#
Thank#you,#Susan.#
#
Trey#Benton
404&345&0011
#
Sent#from#my#iPhone.#Please#excuse#typos#or#sentences#that#do#not#make
any#sense.#
On#Apr#28,#2015,#at#4:27#PM,#Susan#HioX#<susan.hioX@brookhavenga.gov>
wrote:
I#will#let#him#know.
#
#
<image001.jpg>
Susan D. Hiott, MMC
City Clerk
City of Brookhaven
4362 Peachtree Road NE
Brookhaven, GA 30319
404-637-0464
www.brookhavenga.gov
susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov

From:#Trey#Benton#[mailto:jlbenton3@mac.com]#
Sent:#Tuesday,#April#28,#2015#5:23#PM
To:#Susan#HioX
Cc:#Tom#Kurrie;#Marie#GarreX
Subject:#Re:#ORR#2015&89
#
Hi#Susan#et#al,
#
I#don't#understand.#Can#you#please#ask#the#City#AXorney#call
me#to#explain#the#denial#of#my#request?
#
My#number#is#404&345&0011.#
#
My#understanding#is#that#if#there#is#correspondence#that#is#not
aXorney#client#privilege#or#protected#by#execuDve#session
then#the#records#are#therefore#subject#to#disclosure.
#
I#think#the#records#are#in#fact#subject#to#disclosure.#If#you
would#be#so#kind#to#cite#exactly#what#the#issue#is#and#why#I

would#be#so#kind#to#cite#exactly#what#the#issue#is#and#why#I
cannot#have#them#I'll#ask#the#AXy#General#for#his#opinion.#
#
Not#trying#to#be#dicult#here#but#the#law#is#clear#regarding
transparency#and#open#records#by#a#government#and#there
are#very#specic#reasons#and#very#limited#reasons#access#to
these#records#is#not#allowed.#And#it#is#my#belief#that#denial#of
my#request#infringes#on#that#legal#right.
#
I#have#closely#reviewed#OCGA#50&18&72(a)(8)#and#see#no
reason#my#request#should#not#be#fullled#as#provided#by#law.#
#
SecDon#8#you#cite#(I#assume#it#is#at#the#advice#of#the#city#legal
counsel#due#to#the#events#surrounding#my#request)#suggests
that#there#is#"material#obtained#in#invesDgaDons#related#to#the
suspension,#ring#or#invesDgaDon#of#complaints#against#public
ocers#or#employees#unDl#ten#days#aBer#the#same#has#been
presented#to#the#agency#or#an#ocer#for#acDon#or#the
invesDgaDon#is#otherwise#concluded#or#terminated,#provided
that#this#paragraph#shall#not#be#interpreted#to#make#such
invesDgatory#records#privileged;"
#
I#ask#you,#is#there#an#internal#invesDgaDon#underway?#Was
someone#suspended?#Was#someone#red?#Was#there#an
ocial#complaint#led?
#
I#contend#the#statute#clearly#states#that#unless#the#City#can
answer#"yes"#in#an#ocial#capacity#to#the#quesDons#I#pose
above,#the#statute#cited#does#not#apply#in#this#request#and#my
request#should#be#fullled#through#the#normal#course#of
acDon#under#the#Georgia#Sunshine#Law.#
#
Thank#you#kindly,
#
Trey#Benton
404&345&0011
#
On#Apr#28,#2015,#at#3:43#PM,#Susan#HioX
<susan.hioX@brookhavenga.gov>#wrote:
Hello#Trey,#
#
Pursuant#to#your#open#records#request#ORR
2015&89,#pertaining#to#correspondence#related
to#Susan#Canon#and#spraying#of#household
product,#please#be#advised#that#any#such#records
are#privileged#and#not#subject#to#disclosure#at
this#Dme#pursuant#to#SecDon#50&18&72(a)(8)#of

this#Dme#pursuant#to#SecDon#50&18&72(a)(8)#of
the#Ocial#Code#of#Georgia#Annotated.
#
#
Sincerely,#
#
<image001.jpg>
Susan D. Hiott, MMC
City Clerk
City of Brookhaven
4362 Peachtree Road NE
Brookhaven, GA 30319
404-637-0464
www.brookhavenga.gov
susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov

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