The director of Metro’s Department of Emergency Communications has been placed on administrative leave, after being asked by the mayor — and refusing — to resign. The action follows a special investigation conducted by local law firm Ogletree Deakins.
The investigation into Director Steve Martini comes after some members of Nashville’s Metro Council have been asking for one for months. Last year, the council’s Women’s Caucus sent a letter to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell urging him to answer questions about the Emergency Communications Department. Concerns had been raised after anonymous emails sent to Metro Council members alleged a toxic workplace.
In August, O’Connell pushed back against the actions of the council, telling reporters that council caucuses are “not really the place for HR matters.” Now O’Connell has taken action against Martini.
“Today, I received a report outlining serious factual findings substantiated against Director Steve Martini and the functions he oversees,” O’Connell said in a statement. “I asked for his resignation and he declined. He has been placed on administrative leave pending disciplinary action, and we will commence the formal disciplinary process immediately.”
In the statement, the mayor’s administration said that it was an “ongoing personnel matter” and it would not be making any further comments until the process had wrapped up. An acting director of DEC has been appointed.
The report reviewed reports of sexual harassment by a DEC employee, Metro’s response to any complaint filed by an employee, and whether any Metro employee failed to properly investigate such claims.
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