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Resident places federal civil-rights lawsuit naming Mayor Sean Reinke on public record at Paynesville council meeting
Summary
At the council's open-forum period, resident Ryan Alvar told the council that Mayor Sean Reinke is a named defendant in an active federal civil-rights lawsuit and asked whether the city had received formal notice that the mayor is unable to perform official duties; he asked that the statement be recorded in the minutes.
Ryan Alvar, a resident addressing the Paynesville City Council during the open-forum period, told the council the mayor is a named defendant in an active federal civil-rights lawsuit and requested that the council record his inquiry in the meeting minutes.
"I want to inform the city council that mayor Sean Reinke is a named defendant in an active federal civil rights lawsuit and related appeal in the US Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit involving alleged child abuse of 2 very young children in a family court matter," Alvar said during public comment and asked only whether the city had received formal notice that the mayor is unable to perform his duties for health reasons. "For the public record ... I respectfully request that this statement and inquiry be reflected in the meeting minutes." (Ryan Alvar)
The council did not take action on Alvar's inquiry. Chair (speaking for the council) reminded the public that comments made during the open forum are not voted on and may be referred to staff; he also turned the forum over to the mayor pro tem before the comment was made. The meeting record shows the mayor was present and performing official duties at the meeting. No city staff announced receipt of any formal notice about the mayor's fitness for duty during the session.
The open-forum rules cited by the council mean the remark itself does not trigger an investigation or automatic council action; Alvar asked only for the statement to be entered in the official minutes. The council did not otherwise comment or direct staff to investigate during the meeting.
The council packet and minutes will be the official record for any follow-up; the council may refer inquiries to the city attorney or staff if members request that at a later date.
