The Martin Chronicles has learned that the Villa Hills Ethics Board has scheduled a closed meeting for Wednesday, November 30th. A closed meeting seems like an interesting move for a body that has expressed public concern about actions undermining confidence in city government-on multiple occasions. Much like the Villa Hills’ open records issues we have been reporting, open meetings are important for maintaining the public trust. Rules governing open meetings are laid out in the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS).
Exemptions to the Open Meetings Act are allowed under the KRS for certain specified reasons. According to KRS 61.810(1), there are 13 exemptions. Exemptions that seem applicable to city agencies like the ethics board include matters involving “future acquisition or sale of real property”, “proposed or pending litigation”, and “discussions with a business entity concerning a specific proposal if open discussions would jeopardize the siting, retention, expansion, or upgrading of the business”.
There is another exemption that seems applicable. The exemption reads, “discussions or hearings that might lead to the appointment, dismissal, or discipline of an individual employee, member, or student. However, general personnel matters may not be discussed in private”.
The Martin Chronicles supposes that the ethics board has consulted with the city attorney to make sure they are on solid ground before holding a closed meeting. Given the pending departure of their chairman, the board may be discussing possible appointments.
We hope the board isn’t holding a closed meeting to discuss the recent ethics complaint filed against Mayor Mike Martin and Councilman Jim Noll. As we have reported, the complaint involves the mayor and councilman’s involvement in the printing and distribution of the “Vote ‘YES’ To Repeal The License Fee” flyer.
The purpose of an open discussion would not be to embarrass Martin and Noll. There is a legitimate, unresolved question about the propriety of using public resources to promote the road tax ballot initiative. If the board were to come out of its closed deliberations and announce-as they have in the past-that they have discussed the matter with Martin and Noll and find no issue with what took place, the question will remain unresolved in the minds of many.
Such an action will not strengthen the public’s confidence in its city government.
