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Resolution to investigate alleged Charter Review Commission off‑record talks fails after heated council exchange
Summary
Councilmember Steve Cody proposed a resolution requesting the village attorney investigate alleged off‑record communications by Charter Review Commission members; the measure failed 4‑1 after Vice Mayor Meritzer and other members pushed back and cited unresolved public-record requests.
Councilmember Steve Cody introduced a resolution asking the village attorney to review communications by the Charter Review Commission after he reported a conversation in which one commission member allegedly told a witness, "Sue me," when told a discussion might violate sunshine rules. Cody said he had requested communications and wanted a formal review. Vice Mayor Mark Meritzer and other council members sharply criticized the approach, saying similar record requests to the sponsor had not been answered and warning the item amounted to a punitive ‘witch hunt’ of volunteers. After extended debate, the resolution failed on a 1‑4 roll call vote.
Why it mattered: Cody argued the public should have confidence in volunteer commissions and that the attorney should be empowered to collect sworn statements if volunteers discussed agenda matters outside public meetings. Opponents said demanding sworn affidavits from unpaid volunteers was inappropriate, urged face‑to‑face clarification and criticized the timing and tone.
Outcome: The resolution did not pass on a roll call showing Councilmember Cody in favor and four other members opposed; council members urged use of existing public‑records procedures and cautioned against chilling volunteer participation.
