On the tail of the recent sexual-harassment allegations against Overture Center for the Arts' recently retired president Bob D'Angelo, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced the commencement of an investigation, set to begin Friday.

Chief of Staff Janet Piraino and Jim Hess, director of Monona Terrace, will lead the investigation.

According to a release from the mayor's office, investigators will attempt to determine the atmosphere of the workplace at Overture.

Cieslewicz said any defiance of the city's sexual-harassment policy is disturbing and worrisome, and he hopes the investigation will bring about the truth in the D'Angelo matter.

"Any violation of the city's sexual-harassment policy is something that I take very seriously," Cieslewicz said. "This investigation will ensure that any workplace issues related to recent allegations against Overture's former president are thoroughly addressed."

George Twigg, communications director for the mayor, said by choosing Piraino and Hess to lead the investigation, Cieslewicz is indicating the importance of this issue.

"The mayor's appointments show how serious he is about this," Twigg said. "Janet Piraino is the mayor's top assistant, and Jim Hess is a top city manager."

Twigg said Cieslewicz appointed Hess because, as director of the Monona Terrace, he is familiar with the operation of community centers. The Monona Terrace and Overture are similar in that they are both cultural centers for Madison, he added.

"I don't know how long the investigation will take," Twigg said. "It could be several weeks. It all depends on how quickly we talk with Overture employees. The investigation will last as long as it takes to be satisfied."

The mayor's office will work in cooperation with the Overture Center and interim Overture President Michael Goldberg throughout the investigation, according to Twigg.

"The goal of the investigation is to ensure that we have a thorough understanding of the operation of the Overture Center for the Arts," Twigg said.

Tina Frailey, publicist for Overture, said the workplace in the center is very professional. She added the recent sexual-harassment allegations and the retiring of D'Angelo have not been a distraction.

"We're still business as usual," Frailey said. "The atmosphere is only tense right now because there is so much going on. The beginning of our new season is coming up and we've got the refinancing and phase two of construction to worry about, also."

With the investigation beginning, Cieslewicz will take additional steps to ensure workplaces throughout the city remain safe and free from the threat of sexual harassment and discrimination.

Newly revised, stricter policies regarding sexual harassment and discrimination will be released by Cieslewicz Sept. 26, marking the first major alteration of the policy since 2000.

To be certain the policy is strictly enforced, Cieslewicz will direct city staff and managers to be trained in the new policy.