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Steamboat City Council discloses some details about police investigation

Scott Franz

— Investigator Kathy Nuanes conducted 76 interviews, reviewed more than 47,000 emails and sorted through several pieces of evidence including audio recordings as she looked into the accusations of misconduct against Steamboat Springs Police Chief Joel Rae and Deputy Police Chief Bob DelValle.

The Steamboat Springs City Council disclosed these details about the recently-completed investigation in a short press release Tuesday night, which was issued immediately after the council met behind closed doors to discuss some of the initial findings of the probe.

None of the findings have been made public, and the council is still waiting to receive final reports from the investigator.



The council did not take any action after the executive session that lasted more than an hour.

“I’m waiting to look at the total of all the reports when they become available so we can push the city forward, including the performance of the city manager along with the policies and procedures surrounding the police department,” Council President Bart Kounovsky said after the meeting.



During the executive session, the council specifically discussed the two reports it has received back from the investigator so far.

Kounovsky said he couldn’t comment on what those reports contained. He also declined to comment when asked about his reaction to the initial reports.

In the coming weeks, the council expects to get the final reports back from Nuanes, who recently completed her investigation.

“We looked at these two tonight just because they were available, and we know this is going to be a lengthy process,” Kounovsky said.

City Manager Deb Hinsvark said Thursday she hadn’t yet made a decision about the future of Rae and DelValle, who were placed on paid administrative leave in March.

She said she was awaiting final reports from the investigator before making a decision.

“Until I see the final reports, my mind is absolutely open,” she said.

Hinsvark said a summary of the investigation for the public is the final report the city expects to receive back from the investigator.

To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210, email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @ScottFranz10


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