State officials are investigating and are expected to complete their review next week, spokeswoman Mindy Chambers said.

An attorney for The Olympian sent a letter to the City Council on Oct. 3 charging council members with withholding public information in its investigation of Green. The letter was sent to the State Auditor on Oct. 6.

The letter also charged the council with exceeding its authority as well as denying the public the right to observe, when it convened in executive session regarding Green on Sept. 23.

To correct an "illegal meeting," The Olympian is calling for a public hearing to discuss and evaluate charges against Green and assess discipline, the letter stated.

The Olympian also requests the council adopt formal written procedures for investigating, disciplining and removing elected officials that conform to the state's Open Public Meetings Act, the letter stated.

The State Auditor's Office launched its review after determining it has the legal authority to audit the council's actions, Chambers said. Once fact-finding is complete, officials will decide whether a report is warranted. If one is issued, it will be a public document.

City Attorney Bob Sterbank has said the City Council had the legal authority under state statutes and city rules to act.

On Sept. 23, the City Council convened in executive session for about two hours. They met in open session and approved a resolution admonishing Green for "unacceptable behavior" at a Sept. 15 meeting. Green abstained from the vote.

The council ordered an investigation into Green's conduct and suspended him from council committee meetings and multi-agency assignments until its completion. Green continues to attend and vote at regular meetings and study sessions.

Sterbank declined to release the original complaint that launched the executive session evaluation, citing exemptions in the Public Disclosure Act. He also declined to disclose exactly what the investigation will cover.

Bellevue attorney Mark Busto, who is being paid $250 an hour, is conducting the investigation. Sterbank said Thursday the investigation has not been completed.

The admonishment resulted from a Sept. 15 study session on parking for the proposed arts and conference center in which Green and Councilwoman Jeanette Hawkins disagreed on how a fund should be used.

Afterward, Green "suddenly approached Councilmember Jeanette Hawkins in an angry and threatening manner," according to the council resolution.

The resolution stated the incident was the "latest and most serious in a series of incidents" in which Green "expressed anger inappropriately."

The council has declined to say what those incidents are.

On the Web

Washington State Auditor's Office: www.sao.wa.gov

City of Olympia: www.ci.olympia.wa.us