According to a report from County Attorney Wade Bowie, the Iola city council did not knowingly violate any section of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. In other business:
After several complaints were filed between December 2011 and March 2012, formal investigations were held to determine whether public decisions were being made behind closed doors.
City Attorney Bob Johnson said the report was very in-depth, and looked into every aspect of the KOMA findings.
“The report is as thorough as I’ve ever seen,” Johnson said.
He said the 27-page report stated that no technical violations were made, which he explained as no conscious intent for violations.
“It was an honest mistake, no one meant to violate the law,” he said.
Bowie recommended through his report that council members meet with Attorney General Derek Schmidt to review the KOMA regulations and all that it entails.
City Administrator Carl Slaugh said he will be in contact with the attorney general to set up a formal meeting.
— Council members passed a motion to approve Hawk Business Specialties and Klein Lumber for construction of new entryway signs into the city of Iola.
— Shelia Lampe, the executive director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, and assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock were appointed by the council to represent the city on the economic development committee.
— Council members voted to renew the city’s contract with Southwind Energy for energy management with Westar, Inc.
Engineering will begin for the Missouri-Pacific trail in the city of Iola, under a motion of approval from the city council.
KOMA report released
