Now he wants police to investigate who stole an audio tape from his office to expose the violation.

"I'm coming clean," he said after a hastily called press conference yesterday afternoon. "I'm holding myself to account."

Eisenberger said he's aware that a taped conversation between himself and Hamilton Spectator columnist Andrew Dreschel is circulating in the community. The "off the record" discussion relates to former city general manager Lee Ann Coveyduck and appears to break council's rule of not releasing confidential information from in-camera meetings.

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

Council last night approved Eisenberger's request that staff investigate his violation and report to council on possible reprimands.

"If I have erred, I need to take whatever penalties or remedies are due to me." More...