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Notus council ratifies Dec. 1 infraction after tie; mayor casts deciding vote
Summary
The Notus City Council voted Jan. 5 to ratify an infraction issued Dec. 1 after a 2–2 tie among councilmembers; Mayor David Porterfield cast the deciding yes vote. Councilmember Lupita Connor said she has filed a tort claim alleging harassment.
The Notus City Council ratified an infraction that had been issued Dec. 1 after a tie among councilmembers and a tie-breaking vote by Mayor David Porterfield.
Councilmember Steve Ahlborn moved to ratify the Dec. 1 infraction and Rob Hartsock seconded. Ahlborn and Hartsock voted yes; Councilwoman Lupita Connor and Councilor Blaide Connor voted no. With the 2–2 tie, Mayor David Porterfield cast the deciding vote, voting yes and carrying the motion.
City Attorney Ben Layman told the council and the public that an open-meeting-law violation had occurred when a council member exchanged emails that created a quorum. ‘‘An open meeting law violation has occurred,’’ Layman said, and he made printed copies of the emails and attachments available for public review.
During the discussion, Lupita Connor told the council she had filed a tort claim alleging harassment and said she had escalated the matter to state and federal agencies. Mayor Porterfield responded that the decision to issue the infraction was made because council members who were present believed proper notification of absences had not been given before meetings began.
The vote and the related statements were recorded as part of the official meeting minutes; the council did not rescind the ratification during the Jan. 5 session.
