Again, no copy of the letter was included in the December agenda package, though there was included a response – a letter from solicitor Glenn P. Christie marked “STRICTLY PRIVILEGED & CONFIDENTIAL.”

“He has laid out a number of steps he thinks the board should follow,” board chair Ronald Kerr said.

Northumberland 89.7's Dan Jones later reported that the letter said an investigation is still needed to determine the allegations. At the meeting, Dean Pepper suggested following the solicitor's recommendations “step by step.”

Member Sean Graham asked Chief Paul VandeGraaf if he had the resources to carry out Mr. Christie's advice.

“Now that we have the board's direction, staff will start to dissect the letter – but we will be going through a third police agency for assistance,” the chief replied.

Graham declared that “a wise decision, to get away from any perception of bias.”

VandeGraaf added that he will begin the process early in the new year.

“There can be considerable expense, which is unfortunate – but this is the path we have to follow,” Chairman Kerr agreed.