Commissioners Accused Of Violating Open Meeting Law
Last updated Monday, October 30, 2006 9:32 PM CST in News
By Bob Caudle
The Morning News
SPRINGDALE -- Eureka Springs police issued summons to two members of the City Advertising and Promotion Commission, saying they violated the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act on Wednesday.
Former Eureka Springs Mayor Beau Satori called police at approximately 9:03 p.m., claiming there was an illegal meeting being conducted in the commission's office, according to a police report.
Satori told officers he had observed at least three members of the commission inside the building.
Police discovered Richard Grinnell, of 5 Ojo St., and Steve Roberson of 138 Deer Lane inside the building. Roberson is the chairman of the commission and Grinnell is a commissioner.
Lynn Berry, the director of the City Advertising and Promotion Commission, was also in the meeting, but was not arrested.
The three were obviously meeting and notes were being taken, according to police.
Satori did not return a message left at his place of business Monday afternoon. Berry was not in her office Monday. Grinnell did not return a phone message Monday. No one answered the phone at Roberson's number and there was no answering machine.
The City Advertising and Promotion Commission is composed of seven members who are electors of Eureka Springs. Three members are hotel, motel or restaurant owners or managers; and one is the owner or manager of a "gift" or "souvenir" shop. These four members are appointed by the mayor, with the approval of the City Council, for staggered terms of four years.
The other three members include the mayor and two aldermen, whose appointments expire at the end of their terms.
The commission regularly meets the fourth Thursday of each month but may meet as often as necessary. The commissioners adopt rules and regulations as they may deem necessary and expedient for the proper operation of the Commission.
A 2 percent gross receipts tax is collected and credited to the City Advertising and Promotion Fund and is used for advertising and promoting the city.
AT A GLANCE
Freedom Of Information Act
According to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, "When a committee of a board or commission that is subject to the FOIA meets for the transaction of business, the meeting is a public meeting and subject to the provisions of the Act."
The FOIA states that two or more people discussing city business constitutes a public meeting. The governmental entity must give local media and persons of standing a two-hour notice for a special meeting.
Violating the open public meeting notice of the FOIA is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by 30 days in jail and/or $100 fine.
Source: Staff Report
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Steve wrote on Oct 31, 2006 5:32 AM: