The St. Paul City Council said Tuesday that the mayor and her administration need to “demonstrate that they can continue to lead the city and manage functional relationships with all departments, including SPPD, during this uncertain period and beyond.”

Their statement comes after St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a lawsuit against Mayor Kaohly Her and the city last week, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.

The mayor’s office has pointed to an independent investigation, which they said did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation against any city employee.

The council said in Tuesday’s statement: “Considering the recent allegations against Mayor Her, we understand that our constituents want answers and transparency. At this time, however, our response has been guided by legal counsel, who continues to advise the Council and manage matters within the appropriate legal boundaries. Mayor Her deserves a fair process and we will not comment on active litigation.”

The council said they “remain focused on the work before us” and they said that includes “advocating for safe workplaces.”

“Sexual harassment is never okay, and all employees need to be free to speak out about it without fear of recrimination,” the statement said.

The council also said they are “demanding transparency about the budget impact of this litigation in an already tight budget year and we will do everything we can to keep costs low” and are “requesting the investigative report be released to our office and to the residents of St. Paul as soon as possible, to the extent allowable under law.”

According to a person with knowledge of the investigation, the release of the full report is expected soon and Her has not seen it.

“Mayor Her cooperated fully with the investigation and has publicly released everything she’s received related to the findings to-date,” the mayor’s office said in a statement last week.

The city council is scheduled to vote Wednesday on approving outside attorneys, at a rate not to exceed $500 per hour, to represent Her in the lawsuit.

The city charter “provides that in any case of special or unusual circumstances, the City Council, upon the request of the City Attorney may appoint special counsel to assist in providing for the legal business of the City,” according to a city council resolution.

The city attorney’s office “has determined that a potential conflict exists in the City Attorney’s representation of Mayor Her in the lawsuit,” the resolution continued.