BELLE — Belle aldermen are attempting to gather more information regarding the 23-page petition from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s Office that lists allegations that they …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
BELLE — Belle aldermen are attempting to gather more information regarding the 23-page petition from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s Office that lists allegations that they “committed systematic and pervasive violations of the Open Meetings (Sunshine) Law.”
Alderman Adam Padgett said on Thursday that the board is trying to plan its response.
“I can’t make a plan until I can see it and plan it myself,” Padgett said. “We will have to look at what the comments are.”
At that time, Padgett said he had not read the petition in its entirety.
A summons was filed on Dec. 20 in William E. Hickle’s 25th Circuit Court to be served by Jan. 19 to the city of Belle.
According to the summons, the board has 30 days from the issuance date to file its pleading in response to the petition with Missouri Attorney General’s Counsel Jason Krol Lewis. (This is not the same Jason Lewis who briefly served as the city’s public works director).
If the city fails to respond, judgment by default may be taken for the relief demanded in the petition, which could be up to $6,000 per offense — around $132,000 for 22 offenses.
“My office will serve the summons from the Attorney General’s Office this week,” Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman said.
The city’s former attorney Amanda Grellner submitted her resignation letter on Dec. 20 the Mayor Daryl White and the board.
“I send this letter as formal notice that I am hereby terminating my representation of the city of Belle in all matters. I understand there are a number of matters currently pending that would present a conflict for me on a number of fronts, as such, I believe it is best that I terminate my representation of the city as to all matters at this time.”
The board met Friday in closed session to hire Todd Smith with Lauber Municipal Law who specializes in general municipal law with an interest in constitutional law and public safety issues. Minutes for the meeting were unavailable on Tuesday, according to Mayor Pro Tem Pudd Mitchell, as the board gave its copy to Smith.
The Belle Board of Aldermen will hold its scheduled meeting on Jan. 10 at the Lonnie Feeler Memorial Building. To be included on the agenda contact City Hall.
