By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
The Egan City Council has agreed to resolve an Open Meetings Law complaint by acknowledging two violations through a negotiated stipulation.
The vote raises a broader question however, and that is — what happens next?
During its June meeting, the council voted to move forward with the agreement, admitting the city failed to post an agenda at least 24 hours before one meeting and did not post Jan. 7 meeting minutes in a timely manner.
City Attorney Reed Mahlke said the stipulation offered the most efficient way to resolve the matter, while Moody County State’s Attorney Paul Lewis told the board he believed acknowledging the violations and moving forward served the best interests of both the city and the public.
What the admission ultimately means, however, isn’t as clear.
The Moody County Enterprise has asked the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office what practical ramifications, if any, follow a stipulated violation, whether repeat violations carry additional consequences under changes approved by lawmakers this year, and what the public should take away from the process. Those responses were not available by press time.
Regardless of the commission’s eventual action, at least one council member hopes the process results in greater transparency. Trustee Michelle Ten Eyck has begun recording council meetings and posting them on YouTube, giving residents another opportunity to follow discussions and decisions even if they cannot attend in person.