(Correction: July
20, 2017)
Despite what was
reported in Wednesday’s article about the monthly council meeting
City of Alexander Mayor Paul Mitchell says a scheduled meeting with
officials from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)
scheduled for Friday (July 21) at 2 PM in the city hall courtroom is
not a special council meeting. Mitchell says the “private meeting”
is between himself, DHS officials and planing commission members. The
public may not attend.
This meeting is
expected to be the final step in a proposal by DHS to deed the
abandoned Alexander Human Development Center to the city. The
property is located in Alexander along Highway 111.
We apologize for the
error.
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ReplyDeleteLike alex.resident pointed this is not an executive meeting and the pubic and media most be allowed to attend. The Arkansas FOIA Handbook recommends that following:
ReplyDeleteBelow is a suggested statement for reporters and citizens to use when a board, commission, or other government entity (including committees thereof) votes to go into executive session. The reporter or citizen should rise and state:
“The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act requires that you state the purpose of the executive session before going into it. I request that you do so at this time.”
The reason given must be for the specific purpose of considering “employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining or resignation of any public officer or employee.” This may not include general discussion about making policies related to these. This must be done in open session. Anything else violates the Freedom of Information Act, and the reporter or citizen should call somebody’s
attention to this point.
If the body persists, the reporter should notify his or her supervisor immediately, and the citizen should contact the prosecuting attorney.
http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.arkansaspress.org/resource/resmgr/Publications-2015/foi-17ed.pdf
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ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I am a one man shop and I have to work tomorrow. But I reached out to a few larger media outlets to see if they would cover the story. Even if J Doe, Blogger is right and the meeting is public I am still interested in what happens at the meeting.
DeleteTHERE IS NO MEETING, NEVER LISTEN TO GOSSIP FOR A NEWS SOURCE.
DeleteALWAYS GO DIRECTLY TO THE MAIN SUBJECT AND WHO IT CONCERNS.
THERE ARE A FEW PEOPLE WHO LOST THE LAST ELECTION THAT ARE BITTER, AND THEY THINK WHEN THEY SAY SOMETHING IT IS FACT. I HAVE YET TO READ FACT FROM ANY OF THEM.
So many arm-chair quarterbacks! Alexandrian has the announcement wrong, the alex.resident reads wrong, the arm-chair quarterbacks are commenting on fake news, GREAT BIG STORM; BUT ITS ALL WIND.
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ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU FOR THE ""INSIDE INFORMATION"" I KNEW YOU SOUNDED EXACTLY LIKE A SNOWFLAKE DUMB-O-CRAT.
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ReplyDeleteFirst, there was a misunderstanding between what the mayor said and what I heard. This meeting could be held in his office if he didn't want to give council members and planning commission members the opportunity to hear what DHS has to say. After all, the council does have to approve this. And, even if he had called for a special meeting or a workshop, getting a quorum at 2 PM probably won't happen. No quorum, no meeting; officially. If by some miracle enough show up for a quorum of the council, then they have a problem. You are correct this is not a topic for an executive session but there was no mention of an executive session. With no expectations of a quorum there is no public meeting.
ReplyDelete1. THERE IS NO MEETING.
Delete2. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS THAT REQUIRES A VOTE, A DISCUSSION OR DEBATE, IT WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
3. THERE IS NO WORKSHOP MEETING SCHEDULED, OR DISCUSSED.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS ARE RESTRICTED AS TO SUBJECT, THERE IS NOTHING ON THE TABLE, AS OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING THAT EVEN HINTED AT A NEED FOR ONE.
5. THERE IS WAY TOO MUCH COMMOTION OVER THIS MESS.
6. TOMORROW IS A REGULAR WORKDAY FOR EVERYONE AT CITY HALL, INTERRUPTIONS ARE COMMON, AND EXPECTED, BOTH THE NECESSARY AND THE RIDICULOUS.
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DeleteI am glad to hear that is was just a misunderstanding. But I did want to clarify that under Arkansas FOIA laws tomorrow's meeting is a public meeting and subject to open meeting laws.
DeleteQ. What is a meeting?
A. Any meeting, formal or informal, regular or special, of a governing body including sub-bodies. A quorum of the governing body need not be present for the meeting to be subject to the FOIA. If two members meet informally to discuss past or pending business, that meeting may be subject to the FOIA.
Q. If two city council members meet to discuss matters on which foreseeable action will be taken, is the FOIA violated?
A. Possibly. See City Council of El Dorado v. El Dorado Broadcasting Co., 260 Ark. 821, 544 S.W. 2d 206 (1976), Gazette Co., v. Pickens, 258 Ark. 69, 522 S.W. 2d 350 (1975) and Opinion Nos. 99-018 and 91-225. But there is no bright line rule that two members meeting constitutes a “meeting” under the FOIA. A violation is
most likely to occur if the two members meet with other individuals concerning matters on which the whole governing body will foreseeably act. Opinion Nos. 2003-
376, 96-317, 96-067, and 95-227. A violation may also occur in the event successive meetings of two members are held prior to action by the governing body, thereby avoiding public discussion.
IF YOU HAPPEN ACROSS A MEETING TOMORROW, OR ANY OTHER DAY, BY ALL MEANS FOI IT, IF THAT IS NECESSARY
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DeleteMayor might havve something better to do than you and I; and since he didn't throw his name into the mix, I see no reason he should be on here, involved in this petty name calling.
DeleteI wouldn't be so quick to belittle all the advances his administration has put in place. You would just find yourself off in left field somewhere looking like an idiot. However, if the shoe fits . . . .
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DeleteAlex.resident; sour grapes aren't very attractive. Take your loss and quit mourning it. You have done enough damage to yourself both politically and physically, just relax and take it easy, and don't let your clandestine imagination run amuck so much.
ReplyDeleteHi fellow alexander folks! I just moved here, and am anxious to get acquainted with other of my neighbors. I met a friend who gave me this site, and I am getting acquainted with a few people. hope to find friends as I am new to the state.love my new home, job, met the police chief, Heis a great guy!! people in city hall were friendly, helpful, and very courteous! If most are as nice as they were, This is a ggreat move for me and family.
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Deletewhile your at it look for resident's with barrels of empty whiskey bottles outside her door.
DeleteThen you'll see the reason for the rant.
I've lived here for several years now, and I have seen a lot of improvements since Mayor Mitchell was elected. Don't listen to the negative nancys who are disgruntled former aldermen. They were voted out because the people in St. Joseph Glen got mad and took action. Just ask anyone who lives out there. They even elected their own aldermen from the subdivision. The council went above and beyond to make sure the citizens are seeing their tax dollars put to good use. Besides being in constant audit, city hall has been pretty good to me anytime I've had an issue or needed a permit. There's possible land development in the future, which is good because I hate driving by all that land out there which is going to waste every day at the human development center. It's time they did something with it to help the city out even more. Looking forward to seeing what they come up with.
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DeleteYOU DON'T GET OUT A LOT DO YOU!
DeleteYOU OBVIOUSLY HAVEN'T BEEN BY BROOKWOOD LATELY, SO FAR OVER 500 TONS OF STONE HAVE BEEN PUT DOWN IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS TO AUGMENT THE BASE WITH AND MORE TO COME.
YOU OBVIOUSLY WEREN'T IN ON THE 3 RING CIRCUS THAT SURROUNDED THE WORK DONE LAST YEAR IN SJG. BECAUSE OF A "GOOD" COUNCIL MEMBER WE WERE FORCED TO OWN THAT LITTLE BIT OF STREET, AND I AM POSITIVE, BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN THE PAPER WORK ON IT.
According to ARML - EVERY COMMUNITY IS AUDITED FOR EVERY YEARS WORK. PROBABLY JUST SEEMS ENDLESS; BUT SUCH IS THE LIFE IN THE BIG CITY.
THESE DETAILS ARE INSERTED HERE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE WHO TRULY DON'T KNOW.
THE THINGS THAT ALEX.RESIDENT THROWS IN IS TRASHY ALCOHOL LACED GOSSIP.
ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE FACTS IS WELCOME TO COME TO THE COUNCIL MEETING EVER MONTH - THIRD (3RD) MONDAY, IN THE COURT ROOM AT CITY HALL, OR YOU CAN CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT, AND IF YOU LIKE LEAVE A LIST OF OUR QUESTIONS TO EXPEDITE THE ANSWERS, GO TO THE SOURCE.
GOSSIP IS JUST THAT; NOTHING MORE.
DON'T PLAN IT THIS WEEK THOUGH, JACKIE IS ON VACATION AND JAIME, JO AN AND KEN ARE VERY BUSY.
WAS HIPPOCRATES A BIBLE THUMPER? I THOUGHT HE WAS JUST A DOCTOR.
YOUR QUESTIONS (SORRY)
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DeleteIn March, council members were given a copy of the 2014/2015 audit and it was discussed. I guess you missed that meeting. See article http://thealexandrian2013.blogspot.com/2017/03/audit-report-shows-former-alexander.html.
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ReplyDeletewell seems to be some angst on here, but I will form my own opinions of people here until they do bad things to me, I see new streets, new homes, and a lot of friendly folks. so far! have a great day!
ReplyDeleteYA THINK?!?!?!
DeleteALEX.RESIDENT DOESN'T PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS.
ReplyDeleteMAYBE HE/SHE NEEDS A BIBLE TO THUMP
As said above Alex.Resident doesn't play well with others. Character assassination is her favorite game. Most people with integrity don't play that game.
ReplyDeleteFor the record 'hypocrites; is a Greek word that came from the word upokrithv hupokrites, (procounced) hoop-ok-ree-tace meaning an actor under an assumed character (stage-player) thus the old word HIPPODROME, the theater of that time.
WIKIPEDIA: The hippodrome (Greek: ἱππόδρομος) was an ancient Grecian stadium for horse racing and chariot racing. The name is derived from the Greek words hippos (ἵππος; "horse") and dromos (δρόμος; "course"). The term is used in the modern French language and some others, with the meaning of "horse racecourse". Hence, some present-day horse racing tracks also include the word hippodrome[1] in their names, such as the Hippodrome de Vincennesand the Central Moscow Hippodrome.
I dare say we are all 'actors at one time or another, some more than others.
I believe if you investigate (look for the facts) ARML has a law book they distribute to all communities requesting them, that gives the law regarding audits of communities, they do not do the audit, we didn't say they did.
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ReplyDeleteNOT IN THIS ADMINISTRATION.
ReplyDeleteAPPARENTLY YOU HAVE NOT LISTENED TO THE "PEANUT GALLERY" AND A COUPLE OF THE COUNCIL WOMEN, ESPECIALLY ONE IN THE DENIM SKIRT.
DeleteCALLING ALL BIBLE THUMPERS:
ReplyDeleteALEX.RESIDENT NEEDS OUR PRAYERS!
NO THANKS!!! From the Bible Thumpers that I was referring too. Most are Hypocrites from City Hall that go to the Alexander Baptist Church. The worst one going somewhere else with her denim skirts.
DeleteSeems funny to me that a few years back some Council Members and City Hall Employees got in trouble with a Church in Old City Hall but now it is OK??? What Happened to separation of Church & State???
DOESN'T DESERVE AN ANSWER,
ReplyDeleteEVIL SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
TRUTH HURTS!! Those that are guilty cast more stones!!!
DeleteCity Hall Bookkeeper knows about Church fiasco and investigation and TV caused by the denim wearing Council Woman.
Guess after all these years the UN-educated Street Dept. changed some Street names on the new street signs.
ReplyDeleteI was driving around showing an investigative reporter from Channel 16 the Council Members JUNKIE "TRAILER TRASH" PLACES, the burned out structures, JUNK YARDS, delopadated MHs (1 belonging to Mayor Paul on Birch St.) and Etc. using her GPS. Several Street NEW Signs were misspelled. one being CHASTAIN spelled. I a CHASTAN!!! I checked with 911 to verify spelling on all them. WASTED CITY TAX MONEY!!!. I also gave the Investigative reporter a copy of related City Ordinances.
you know this alexander.resident sounds like their wine has turned to vinegar! I have friends who have lived here for 30 years, and they tell me that this is the first time they have seen a REAL improvement, streets, houses, and parks, so, who wet in her cornlakes?
ReplyDeleteYour "FRIEND" must not drive around in the Woodland Hills area or he or she is blind. The only improvement in cleaning up houses is the NEW influx of Hispanics who keep their places clean, neat, yard mowed and junk hauled off.
ReplyDeleteThey are tearing down or remolding a lot of the "TRAILER TRASH" property. They take pride in their property and City. If we had a "GOOD" Police Dept. (City Code Enforcer)
and Mayor who would let them do their job the older "TRAILER TRASH" Places would be cleaned up including the JUNK YARDS!!! AND SOME COUNCIL MEMBERS "TRAILER TRASH". Can't wait until the story hits Channel 4 and 16!!!
FUNNY, from someone who lives in a trailer!
ReplyDeleteIf you know so much about me and the area bring your FRIEND by to see my place and the
ReplyDeleteREAL TRAILER TRASH and JUNK YARDS in the Woodland Hills area. Apparently the Police Dept. (Code Enforcement) has tunnel vision and just looks down the roads.
"GLAD YOU THINK THE ABOVE IS FUNNY" Hope Channel 16 and 4 interviews you and the Mayor and Council Members and shows you all the pics. and Video she took.
Alex.resident, I can see you are frustrated. But believe me, you are going nowhere with your base ridicule. You obviously aren't familiar with what it takes to do what needs to be done to clean up Woodland Hills. I won’t try to reason here, it would be too lengthy, but I can assure you, having checked into the facts, that there is good, solid, positive efforts being made on many, many fronts, but those steps will and are done legally, not with a “hammer” until it is absolutely necessary; but with a ‘palm branch’ first. Many of the residents just aren't concerned with the cleanliness of their surroundings, those take a heavier hand; but there are many who are seniors and can’t do much and many who just can’t afford to do much very quickly.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it would be a good idea for you to redirect your energy from complaining and finger pointing and declaring how much better you are than the rest of us, maybe check on a neighbor who can’t help themselves and see if you can help them. Little Rock used to have really large; city-wide; one day where many groups and individuals got together and helped clean things up. I helped in those efforts, they were very impressive. Groups that couldn't be there in person, bought supplies for those who did attend to use; up to and including home repairs; painting, hauling, washing windows, mowing; anything that needed done. I bet with your energy you could put together a workforce that could make a great difference to this community – a community on the move forward. Get on the band wagon, and put your energy to something positive as opposed to ridicule and bashing on things you certainly aren't prepared to address.
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ReplyDeleteI don't see one on the city website. Maybe you should go to city hall and ask.
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ReplyDeleteYou already started the conversation. It's not taxpayers they don't like it's just you. You reap what you sew. I have suggested the form, if it exists, be placed on the city website for download.
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