BELLE — Litigation against the city of Belle regarding alleged violations of Missouri Sunshine Law has been delayed 30 days as both parties discuss a resolution. The ruling came after the city’s attorney, Nathan Nickolaus, failed to log in to the court’s online system.

“Jason Lewis, this is on the case with the city of Belle,” 25th Circuit Judge William E. Hickle called on May 9 in Phelps County. The case was supposed to be set for trial. “Do we have an appearance yet with anyone for the city?”

Missouri Attorney General’s Office associate attorney Jason K. Lewis was present via Webex on behalf of the state. However, the city of Belle’s attorney, Nickolas, was notably absent.

“Would you want to try to reach out to his office and see if we can all be on at the same time?” Hickle asked Lewis to contact Nickolaus by calling Lauber Municipal Law in Jefferson City to have the attorney attend the Webex.

The judge called the case again after both attorneys were present.

“Is this just on for a trial setting?” Hickle asked.

Lewis responded.

“Mr. Nickolas and I are discussing resolution terms, and we believe we would like to roll this over for 30 more days and believe we will likely have an update for the court at that point,” Lewis said.

Lewis confirmed that he had the information correct with Nickolaus.

Hickle scheduled the parties for 1 p.m. hearing on June 3 in Phelps County.