My dime at the end of the day
I get very frustrated every time I read an article in the Advocate newspaper about the city of Belle’s alleged violations of the Sunshine Laws.
Why should my tax dollars go to pay lawyer fees, court cost, and perhaps fines for the gross lack of knowledge or perhaps knowing the laws and thought they were immune or did know what they were doing and decided they were above the laws. I feel the burden of the alleged violations falls on the shoulders of Mayor White.
It is his duty to see these types of violations do not occur or allow them to continue. Also, the council had a the right to protest the agenda for Sunshine Law violations before it was posted for the citizens to review. I don’t see any evidence of that happening. I can understand the first time they were warned about their violation we all try to do the right thing and a mistake can be made.
In my opinion, the council blatantly and openly continued to ignore Sunshine Laws.
I recall one council meeting prior to the AGO starting their investigation, when Steve Vogt (sic) had informed the council of training on the Missouri Sunshine Laws. I am not an expert on body language, but I recall the mayor reclining back in his chair and council members showing little to no interest in what he was saying.
No one openly indicated they were interested in attending. Just my thoughts: it appears to me the mayor and council had full knowledge of their wrongdoings and decided openly to continue to violate Sunshine Laws even after being warned by the AGO. I think they should be held financially responsible for the city lawyer’s fees, court cost and any fines incurred.
They know they are in violation of the Sunshine Laws and now they refuse to answer any questions from a concerned citizen. The only answer you will get is “THANK YOU, NEXT QUESTION.”
I found it very fascinating that Ordinance 629 dealing with Public Participation During Board Meetings had both the first and second readings at the same meeting. I know this is permissible per City Ordinance 110.070. It was obvious that it had to be enacted that night so they could stay away from citizens’ thoughts on firing Frankie (Horstman, former city clerk) without giving her the reasons why.
I personally asked a question at council meeting in January 2024. The question was: if I furnish the white rock would the city use their equipment and their city employees to spread it in my driveway. My question came from a question asked by a citizen at the October 2023 Council meeting.
Why was city-owned equipment and city employees used to spread the roll down asphalt at Adam Padgett’s private place of business.
After several wishy-washy excuses, Mayor White finally stated if the materials are donated, the city would be happy to help any citizen. (This conversation can be reviewed at the October 11, 2023 city council meeting video, approximately 16 minutes in). I finally got an answer on March 7, 2024, the city will spread the white rock.
Thanks, Delmar Branson
