A Teachable Moment #1

A teachable moment… What do you as a citizen do when your government leaders violate the law?

The Oklahoma Open Meeting Act states, "...all public bodies shall, at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to ... special meetings, display public notice of said meeting, setting forth thereon the date, time, place and agenda for said meeting. Only matters appearing on the posted agenda may be considered at said special meeting."

On January 18, the City Council held a special meeting.  Their agenda called for the Council to discuss and take action on a rezoning appeal for CarMart.  One thing the agenda did not state was that a public hearing was to be held. 

Mayor Nikkel asked the City Attorney if they could hold a public hearing even though it was not listed on the agenda, as required by State law. The City Attorney said he believed they could since a sign announcing a public hearing had been posted on the property and notice was posted in the local paper.  Therefore, he said, the intent was there. No one on the Council objected.

Unfortunately, many people did not know a public hearing was to be held. Citizens who might have wanted to speak at the hearing did not appear, and those who were present were unprepared to speak.

Based on an open and transparent government, what do you think the Council should have done? And what should you as a citizen do if you believe your city leaders have violated the law? What is in the best interest of the citizens in Bartlesville?