Hamilton Police are continuing an investigation into an alleged theft from Mayor Fred Eisenberger's office.

Mr. Eisenberger said he called the police June 25 to report a theft of a tape that contain a 2007 conversation he had with a Hamilton Spectator reporter from the mayor's office.

"An investigation has been launched," said Catherine Martin, corporate communicator for the Hamilton Police Services. "The police are taking it seriously. They have begun their investigation."

Mr. Eisenberger announced during a news conference in his office June 25 he had asked the police to investigate "who has stolen my personal and city property."

The taped May 2007 conversation between Mr. Eisenberger and columnist Andrew Dreschel of the Hamilton Spectator was acquired by Hamilton Community News and revealed the mayor may have violated council's Code of Conduct. HCN also received a transcript of the conversation.

Mr. Eisenberger said he held the news conference because a media outlet had obtained a copy of the tape.

Mr. Eisenberger acknowledged after reviewing the transcript a year after his conversation that he had violated council's policy.

"It is my belief I have contravened council's code of conduct," he said.

The mayor, who made improving the city's ethics a high priority during his 2006 election campaign, said he was unaware that he had possibly violated council's code of conduct when he had the conversation. It was only when he saw the "words on the paper" that he recognized what he might have done.

Mr. Eisenberger gave the transcript to the city's solicitor for review.

Council later in the evening approved hiring an outside lawyer to investigate the possible violation.

"I take full responsibility and encourage staff and council to recommend appropriate remedy or action as required."

One the tape, Mr. Eisenberger talked about the future employment of former Planning and Economic Development General Manager Lee Ann Coveyduck. He also talked about details of an incamera meeting with councillors that involved issues surrounding an internal audit of the building and licensing department.

During the brief news conference, where Mr. Eisenberger only took a few questions before departing, he acknowledged that he was aware that some of his conversations in his office were taped. It was unclear if he still retained his other taped conversations.

Mr. Eisenberger said no one on his current staff is suspected of impropriety. He did not say he was seeking any legal action, only that he has asked the police to conduct an investigation.

Since the incident took place before the creation of council's new integrity commissioner, council must oversee the issue. An integrity commissioner has yet to be selected.

Council's accountability and transparency committee is scheduled to review council's code of conduct.

There has been some discussion about what council will do about Stoney Creek councillor Brad Clark's involvement.

Mr. Clark last week acknowledged he released the tape to HCN. Under the integrity commissioner bylaw, he could be subjected to its authority.

Councillors are expected to discuss the issue at their July 10 council meeting.

Police called to investigate if property stolen from mayor's office