Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark has issued his first public statement in response to criminal complaints being filed against a member of City Council.

Two former students of Legacy Christian Academy have lodged criminal complaints against Ward Five Councillor Randy Donauer over alleged incidents involving paddling. Media reports quote Donauer as calling them “unsubstantiated” allegations and has denied any wrongdoing.

In a written statement, the Mayor referred to serious allegation being made against a colleague without referring to Donauer by name.

Clark said many questions have been asked in the last day about what Council is able to do in response.

Clark wrote that “City of Council has a Code of Conduct and hired an Integrity Commissioner with the specific intention of having an independent process to handle issues of concern regarding members of City Council.”

The mayor will also ask for a report from Administration outlining what governance options are available to Council through “this period of uncertainty.”