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Planning commission member alleges Open Meetings Act violations; chair to consult counsel
Summary
At the Feb. 10 Benzie County meeting, Planning Commission member Jim Evans told commissioners he believes multiple procedural problems — including alleged Open Meetings Act posting violations and payroll irregularities — require board attention; Chair Vance Bates said he will consult Mr. Figura and report back in March.
Jim Evans, a member of the Benzie County Planning Commission, told the County Board on Feb. 10 that a string of procedural problems on the Planning Commission — including what he described as Open Meetings Act posting violations and payroll irregularities — should be addressed by the board and, if necessary, through court channels.
"Not any one of these things are a big deal, but when you look at all of them together it is," Evans said, urging the board to start the public hearing process and consider remedies.
The allegation centers on how Planning Commission meetings and related actions were posted and recorded. Evans said that, apart from one commissioner (Poulisse), the Planning Commission accepted full pay despite posting concerns and that the commission’s secretary requires follow-up. He told the board these matters need to be resolved, noting they could return to the board even after any circuit court involvement.
Chair Vance Bates said he would review the matter with county counsel Mr. Figura and work toward a March update. Commissioner Tucker supported timely closure, asking that Karl Sparks and Bates confer with counsel and return with recommendations at the board’s next regular meeting.
During public input, Deb Lindgren told commissioners she believed the material Evans presented was largely from the prior year, with "all information brought to you was from last year’s business except two item[s]," but said the issues still warranted attention. Evans suggested the board also invite Kurt Schindler to participate in follow-up.
The board did not take a formal vote on sanctions or disciplinary action at the Feb. 10 session; the chair committed to consulting counsel and returning with next steps in March.
