Potential violation of Open Meetings Act

VIDEO:

The District Attorney says he's looking into a possible violation of the Kansas Open Records Act by the Topeka City Council.

The council approved the lease of a new helicopter for the Topeka Police Department last Tuesday.

The item was not on the agenda and was approved 5 to 3.

The council approved a communication last Tuesday authorizing the City Manager to sign the lease of an $800,000 helicopter.

Reader poll

Should city council members be removed from office if they violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act?

Yes, they violated the democratic process and we cannot trust leaders who make decisions in secret. 38% 72 votes
No, they were acting in what they believed were the best interests of their constituents. 60% 113 votes
No opinion. 1% 2 votes

187 total votes.

Mayor Bill Bunten called the move a resolution and vetoed it.

The Mayor had vetoed the council's approval of the purchase of a second chopper last July.

49 News asked District Attorney Robert Hecht if there is an investigation into the the council's actions.

He said, "There is an ongoing inquiry concerning public and media questions as to whether there had been a violation of the open meeting act on or before December 4th."

The District Attorney says it could be the first of the year before there is any action taken by his office.

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