Request from Legal Counsel for Chief Kruger

The Oregonian posted an article on June 26, 2020 referencing a letter from Chief Kruger's Attorney and noting that Kruger is anxious to get back to work and asking for the reason he was placed on leave. In response, City Attorney Tim Ramis provided the following public statement at the request of Council:

West Linn Interim City Manager John Williams asked City Attorney Tim Ramis to respond to a recent inquiry from legal counsel for Chief Terry Kruger for available information on the work of OIR Group which was recently retained by the City. Because OIR Group’s investigative assignment is to be conducted independent of City staff, Mr. Ramis’ response advised that the only information available to City staff was the contract with the City and the press announcement that accompanied it. Both are publicly available on the City's website but were provided directly to the requestor.

The inquiry also raised the possibility that the decision of the Interim City Manager to place Chief  Kruger on administrative leave was influenced by the City Council. The City Attorney stated that was not the case and affirmed the decision was made in accordance with City Charter which makes the Interim City Manager responsible for personnel decisions and prohibits City Council interference.