St. Paul City Council Member Molly Coleman is demanding to know why the council was never notified that the city had hired a legal firm to conduct a sexual harassment investigation of the mayor.

“Additionally, the public needs clarity now on the current relationship between the mayor and the police department,” said Coleman, who posted a lengthy multi-part statement to social media on Thursday morning.

“We must know whether public safety has or will be compromised because of the alleged behavior or the fallout from it,” she wrote. “The lack of transparency related to this matter to date is unacceptable. The city council learned about these allegations and the hiring of the external investigators from the media.”

Most members of the St. Paul City Council have withheld public comment and declined to return a reporter’s calls this week regarding the city’s decision to pursue a sexual harassment investigation against Mayor Kaohly Her.

The mayor’s office and some council members have maintained that hiring an outside legal firm to launch an investigation did not require approval by or notification to the council, which has appeared blindsided by the news.

That would appear to contradict the city charter, Sec. 5.02, which states: “…in any case of special or unusual circumstances, or in any case where the city attorney by reason of interest cannot represent the city, the council, upon the request of the city attorney, may by resolution appoint and fix special counsel’s compensation.”

Some council members interpret the charter differently.

“Because the council does not supervise the mayor … there is no charter-based expectation that the council would receive notice at the outset of an investigation,” said Council Member Cheniqua Johnson, in a text message.

With the mayor’s decision to begin closing the city’s major homeless encampments Aug. 5, and what could be a difficult budget proposal expected Aug. 13, some council members have expressed frustration at being distracted from the hard work ahead.

“I am deeply concerned to learn of the allegations made against Mayor Her,” said Council Member Saura Jost, in a written statement released Thursday. “Every city employee deserves respect and a safe, welcoming, inclusive workplace; especially from leaders to whom we have entrusted the most power. Sexual harassment has no place in any workplace. It has no place in city government.”

“I will not be commenting on the allegations during an open investigation but I look forward to the conclusion of the investigation, understanding the facts, and evaluating any findings,” Jost added. “At the same time, I am frustrated that this situation is taking attention away from the serious challenges facing our city. Our residents need us focused on the work ahead, and none of that happens without our city employees.”