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Supes attend illegal meeting
Published Thursday, February 7, 2008
NATCHEZ — In late January, three Adams County supervisors had a meeting that was illegal according to the Mississippi Freedom of Information Act.
On Jan. 30, supervisors Mike Lazarus, S.E. “Spanky” Felter and board President Henry Watts met with County Engineer Jim Marlow and Adams County Road Manager Clarence “Curly” Jones in Marlow’s office.
The Mississippi Center for Freedom of Information’s attorney Leonard Van Slyke said because a quorum of the board was present, and the meeting was not publicly announced, it was a violation of the law.
“Three out of five, you got a meeting,” Van Slyke said. “It’s a clear violation of the open meeting act.”
When any three of the five supervisors are together there is a quorum.
And when a quorum is present, a meeting must be called and notice posted in a public place.
Van Slyke said the only way the three men could have gathered without violation is by accident or in a purely social setting.
“Any discussion of county business is a meeting,” he said.
But Watts said the supervisors met at Marlow’s office specifically to discuss county business and he did not feel the meeting violated any laws.
No money was spent and no motions were passed, Watts said.
“We were there strictly to get information,” he said.
In addition, Watts said the gathering of the supervisors was not a meeting because no minutes were taken and no press attended the event.
The Democrat did not attend because the meeting was never publicly announced, and the newspaper was not notified.
Lazarus said at the time of the meeting, he was unaware the gathering was a violation.
“I’m pretty new at this,” he said.
But for some the violation was very apparent.
Supervisor Darryl Grennell said the meeting was an obvious violation.
“That is not supposed to happen,” he said.
Grennell and Supervisor Thomas “Boo” Campbell were not at the meeting at Marlow’s office.
Felter, Watts and Lazarus all said Grennell and Campbell could have attended if they wanted to.
At the board’s Jan. 22 meeting, Lazarus expressed a desire to meet with Marlow to discuss state aid funding.
Grennell and Campbell said they would not attend a meeting with Marlow.
“I have been on the board for 10 years,” Grennell said. “I know how state aid works.”
Felter said he was also unaware the meeting violated any laws.
“I want to do what is right by the people of Adams County,” he said.
Lazarus said matters discussed at the meeting were benign.
“The public would not be concerned with that stuff,” he said.
No fine or penalty is outlined in the MFOI Act, but a violation of the law opens the board up for the potential of a lawsuit by any citizen.
Comments
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well guys, it's every other state, just meet socially!
Posted by peaceout (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
since when does Mike Lazarus decide what ppl are concerned with or not?
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 1:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You are new, but now you know. Operate within the confines of the law or from now on accept the consequences. The people of Adams County do not need any more city or county officials who think they are above the law!
I honestly think the three men involved are trying to do a good job for their constituents, but they have to learn to work in the manner declared by law. One other option is to start a grass roots move to change the unit system of government to something easier to work within. The people elected the newcomers because they wanted things done a little differently. They will back you if you keep them in the loop.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 5:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like Darryl Grennel starting trouble again.He is too self centered to be a supervisor.Henry,Mike & Spanky has the best interest is the Adams County Taxpayers.Ppl like Darryl is why Adams County cant move forward.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How is Darryl to blame, for obvious ILLEGAL meetings that are apparently transpiring? Then to call the meetings benign, LOL@benign, to minimize their illegal nature, is just plain ole' flim flam. I would no more be involved in those illegal meetings if I were on that board either. Again, I don't know what's at work here, the decimation of Darryl, or what's legal or illegal, but the bottom line is, stop the illegal meetings, whether "benign" in nature or not. Why should some board members akin themselves to the illegal actions of others?
Doing good or meaning well, is no excuse to break the law or clearly violate the law. I wonder how I would fair if I clearly broke a law, for all of my "good" intentions?
Posted by hellcat (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmm Maybe they don't know because it's never before been done correctly.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How on earth could you blame Darryl for this?
Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Have they not undergone training about what is correct procedure? I posted links yesterday with training information and handbooks for county government and supervisor information. They are supposed to have an orientation so they know what to do and how to do it. Has anyone else before this board done this?
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i don't think SPANKY did this with out knowing it was illegal.. I can't speak for the other 2 men because i don't know or really haven't heard of what 'good' they have done for their district YET... I do KNOW that ole SPANKY has his district and the community IN MIND AND HE DOES CARE!! :) YAY SPANKY
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am confussed, doesn't the other article says it was not in violation of the law? Is this the same meeting?
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No, the article that states it was NOT in violation, was about yesterday's meeting. This article is about OTHER meetings held, that were deemed to be illegal.
Posted by maple (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Darryl is just following the law..what does that have to do with him being self centered you idiot.. he is a good person and knows the law which is more than you can say for these elected officials.. all this site is set up for is personal attacks daily and its the same people that wait til the paper come out at midnight to start there day.. I wonder what life they had before the paper set up a blog space.. not much of one I am sure..
Posted by npc (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think these are the craziest laws. That is why you should elect honest people in the first place. Hopefully they are working hard and trying to do some good. That is why we need to pay attention to the people that we elect. That is why most hard working honest people don't get involved in politics. I manage a business and the rules and regulations will dang near kill you. I promise you; you can't drive to work without breaking some law. ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE! These laws were all put into place because a couple of people did wrong and everybody else has to pay for it. I can appreciate the fact that they want to get together and see if they can get something done. Calling a public meeting everytime you wanted to get together is crazy. Who can work like this? I can't imagine everytime that I wanted to get together with my employees that I had to call the democrat and who ever else needs to be called. This is where all government gets in the way of progress, but we seem to have a lot of people that are interested in having government take over their lives.
Posted by annuity (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me see. The Fox said the open door to the hen house was benign. It was a meeting and not a social event unless they were only playing checkers and drinking beer. Did these guys get their training in Louisiana?
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is what happens when people named Spanky and Curly are put in charge.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I will be the first to agree we are "lawed' to death, but hey, if it's on the books as a law, to not follow it, makes it ILLEGAL and to assasinate the character of someone who DOES NOT want to participate is just asanine. Laws get passed, without so much as a whimper, because people, citizens in America, are ASLEEP at the wheel. We are far too concerned with the likes of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, to even KNOW some of the idiotic bills and laws, some people are trying to invoke. Your senators and congressmen, mayors, and all other elected officials are NOT held to task, when they LIE. When they tell you one thing, and do another, we with our sleepy selves, allow the crap to pass, then cry later.
Posted by genlee (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed. We're stuck with Dumb Dumb & Dumber.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Adam Boob, excuse me, Koob, should be fired for reporting erroneous reports. There were two articles today, each contradicting the other, bottom line though, is that the meeting WAS NOT illegal.
Why didn't Koob the boob write one article stating the truth, instead of, in my opinion, writing two contradictory articles JUST TO STIR UP TROUBLE AND CREATE CONFUSION AND MAKE THE BOARD LOOK BAD
Posted by scarlettohara (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yes. but which is which?
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
PEACEOUT - that's what we elected Lazarus for - to make decisions for us and I think he did the right thing, to make an effort to make progress.
You guys were right the other day - Koob is trying to make problems , not report the facts, before he posts a report, and then in the same publication contradict it, Democrat editors should be watching what he reports it seems to me. He's just inciting the public to dislike the good intentions and take action attitude of the board members, especially Lazarus and Watts, who I know are good people and just want to see action taken to keep our roads up.
You guys have complained about the roads not being taken care of, well let's get behind OUR NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED SUPERVISORS and help them instead of trying to tear them apart and start an ongoing fued among them and us.
Koob is doing us all a dis-service with this type of reporting.
Posted by humorme (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hay seeds the lot
Posted by opinsab (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Boy oh Boy has the democrap screwed this one up!! And Why is BOO Campbell not mentioned but just a lil bit? And not at all yesterday? Is he not a important supervisor? Or is he paying the democrap to keep his name out of the papers unless its election time? Just curious?
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
npc - AMEN brother!
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
if you want, click on contact us, and write Julie Finley a letter about FIRING Koob
Posted by grrbrts (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a citizen of this county, I would most definitely want to know how, when, what, and why our supervisors are SHARING! This type issue reminds me of the ole saying, "You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours."
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So does this mean that if three or more of them wanted to go hunting together, that would be illegal?
"We all gone go huntin and have a quorum!"
I bet Spanky and Curly are some fun people to cut up with.
Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shedevil: You obviously do not know Watts. And your comments though your right sound personal. Dont mix personal with business. You wont get anything accomplished.
What is starting trouble? By Daryl following the letter of the law giving the public the opportunity to attend, he is starting trouble because he get up and walk out; NO he is thinking of YOU.
We have been down this path before just last year. If you dont know what constitutes a meeting then ask. You wont learn your job unless you ask someone.
Remember, they are working 4 YOU!
Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Correction: And your comments (though you have the right to speak your opinion) sound personal.......
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MissMagnolia, one of the voices of intelligence and reason, out of the few, posting to these articles! I concur with your post.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've know Henry Watts all my life
He's a devote Baptist and a good honest businessman
I have always held him in high regard
He loves Natchez, and has provided many families with good solid homes at a fair price.
MissMagnolia - what do you know about Henry Watts that we do not that would indicate that his character is questionable? I do not appreciate your comments that are not substantiated by fact considering this man's integrity.
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How does one get a name like SPANKY?
I have a few ideas...but I will refrain from THAT comment.
Posted by legend (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Darryl has strong convictions, and is not one who looks for a fight. He is not afriad to call it the way he sees it. He is well liked among his constituents. He is known as an intelligent, leader. He is one of the best organizers around.
Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The man held an illegal meeting and knew it was illegal.
That is not a man of integrity. What's Watts trying to do? Sell off a front end loader behind everyone's back?
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps they were meeting with Chuck Norris. They decided that if the meeting had been public, there would have been mass casualties.
Chuck Norris doesn't like crowds.
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HA! What about the name Curly? Hey Moe Hey Moe
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have read both articles and see no difference in the way these meetings were conducted. What makes one legal and the other not?
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Apparently, as long as policy and work orders are not addressed specifically, any meeting is LEGAL
But if three supervisors and walking along together and Adams Co is mentioned - it's a meeting and the newspaper,all other county staff, and any relevant dept heads must be informed previously, then if someone is told to do something specifically as if it were a work order or a policy decision THEN IT'S ILLEGAL.
That's my take from all this. So I'm sure Henry has learned a lot from this, and as of this point he has done nothing wrong, except TRY TO FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH ROAD WORK.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In my opinion both were illegal, but with lawyers involved they have somehow split hairs and decided this is a 50/50 decision.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As I suspected
MissMagnolia has no facts to back up her derogatory comments about Henry Watts
innocent
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Aren't there more important things going on in this world besides these three people having a meeting?
Come on Natchez, wake up! Other people and communities exist in this world besides Natchez.
Let's talk about something more important.
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How about Jesus?
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, I have a question about Jesus... Is there any distinct evidence that the portrait of Jesus is really Jesus Christ and not just some handsome looking Hippie?
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If Darryl knew the meeting of these three supervisors with Marlow would be an illegal meeting why didn't he say so to the other three? The article just says that he (Darryl) did not or would not meet with this Marlow person (period). So Darryl has been on the board for 10 years and KNOWS the ropes, why doesn't he help to educate the others. After all, all of these men represent all of the citizens of Adams County and should be TEAM players. I don't know anything about Darryl's upbringing, but since he and BOO have been there a very long time and know EVERYTHING, then share your knowledge or show the others where to look. No one can remember everything about everything. That is why there are books, ledgers, minutes, etc. Not blaming anyone here and Democrat -- write the articles based on a Un-Biased basis. Stupid headlines add insult to possible injury and certainly feeds these message board.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For any and all: If you go back and re-read BOTH articles, you will clearly see that Adam Koob did no wrong in his reporting. The meeting that was in violation took place on Jan. 30, and the meeting Mr.Grinnell walked out on took place on Feb. 5 (last Tues.)and was found to NOT be illegal.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
2 separate meetings...2 separate judgements on their legality.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Which portrait of Jesus were you speaking of, obama-? There are many representations of his likeness.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thank you lambchop good comment
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
obama is talking about the one with the beard, the stare and the light being emitted from around his head.
I never thought of Jesus as a hippie...but with the long hair and the whole Peace thing...I can see it.
I like the "Buddy Jesus" from the movie DOGMA.
Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kroger: You dont know me so how do you know if I know Watts personally or professionally or if I know him at all. Being a devoted Christian does not STOP anyone from doing wrong and swaying to doing or acting the non-Christ-like behaviors.
All my comment stated is that you must dont know Watts. Where did your mind drift off too. That was not the focus point of my message and I will get into this conversation with YOU. Enough said and will be said.
Question yourself: Why did you get on the defense wall about Watts. You must have heard some comments before. All human beings (ALL) make mistakes and bad judgements at some point of their walk of life.
Posted by classicnatchez (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems to me supervisor Watts needs to read the handbook to keep himself out of trouble. I believe he made some unfounded accusations against Mr. Latham as well. Poor Mike Lazarus latched on to Henry and Spanky and hasn't had a thought of his own since. He went all over town talking about how much Bob Latham made and it wasn't even an accurate figure. Mr. Lazarus it's public record, you should have checked for yourself and not listened to Spanky and Mr. Watts. Supervisor Grennel will certainly have his hands full with the 3 amigos. Thank goodness he decided not to run for mayor. We can't afford to loose him as a supervisor. I wonder if Supervisor Grennel is the only one with a college degree.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hang in there Krogers/ Every "dog" has his DAY!
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BURN!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MissMagnolia
I defend Mr. Watts because I believe in him, and trust him, and know him
You made a response to shedevil. shedevil had said "Henry,Mike & Spanky has the best interest is the Adams County Taxpayers" Your response was "Shedevil: You obviously do not know Watts". As if you do know him. You imply that his intentions are not in the best interest of the county, I do take issue with your implication. I didn't ask you if you knew him, but if you knew something about him that the rest of us don't that would give any logical thinking person reason to doubt his integrity. You have not stated any such information.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just like when Butch Brown went after the dope dealer on the street corner
and Buckethead West dozed down the matchbox factory chimney
I stood behind their actions
same as Brother Watts forging ahead to get our roads fixed
Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And I wont.
Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Watts stinks. To bad Ms. Salomon is not in there still.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great job MissMagnolia.......You are one clasy act i must say..To know tings and not repeat them....
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
roberth33- He takes 2 showers a day, and uses deodorant and cologne, he actually smells rather nice, or how could he have such a beautiful wife
MissMagnolia- thats typical.
YOU LOOSE
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Opps meant classy sorry
Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
she was a far better supervisor
Posted by peaceout (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you actually know how many showers the guy takes? WOW!
Posted by NJM (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why is anyone suprised by this???? this is what the people wanted and this is what they got! another thing, why do the other four supervisors even show up to these meetings? watts makes all the decisions anyway.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Krogers, if you really know the Watts', you wouldn't be saying the things you are. I am not going to put him down, but what you said was a stretch at the least.
Posted by classicnatchez (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Grennell,
Please accept my apology for spelling your name wrong. oops!
Posted by scarlettohara (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Krogers is Supertrucker, risen from the dead! So many similarities (other thank the all caps, of course)
;-)
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
missmagnolia....sounds like youre as much of an idiot as grenell...he is in office only to grease his pockets & stir up trouble.All of the other supervisors are working hard to better the county.All grenell is worried about is talking about rentech...he and a few other county officials are going to make tons of money off the sale of the ip land..this will be another ripoff of the adams county taxpayers.So see missmagnolia..i know more than what you think i know !!
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hang in there Krogers! The right ones agreee with you!
Posted by peaceout (anonymous) on February 7, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
umm, what?
Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on February 8, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A man moved from Virginia to Adams county. His insurance increased 23 percent. The reason..one of the highest accident and frivilous lawsuit percentages in the United States. State Farm told me the same story when i switched to them. File them lawsuits..Its always all about the money and we might have a right to file suit on this meeting. This town is going down the tubes, its really already there,just like they said we need to balance the 3 trillion dollar budget that we have today along with 75%percent of Americans being overweight. Its all about the money and who can sue who in Adams county. Ask any insurance company in the city, they will tell you the same thing. You mess with me or violate the smallest right i have and your gonna get sued...period..
Posted by triscuit (anonymous) on February 8, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully supervisors will be careful to go visiting in twos and not threes from now on. If three come knocking on your door, make one stand outside. Marlow is a good guy and doesn't deserve to have his name thrown about in an article with "illegal" in the title.
Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on February 8, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shedevil: That is beautiful to have knowledge about the goings and comings of your town. As a citizen, you should participate in your local government. YOU should know these things. Future reference: MissMagnolia is not an idiot. Dont misplace your anger.
Making money from the sale of the land. That's life. The rich gets richer and the poor stays poor. The hustle continues in all walks of life.
What did your supervisors do to keep IP/John Mansville and any other industry that has left Natchez in the first place. The people of Natchez need to be employed and have some good benefits (health insurance / life insurance / 401K's). I do not see that unless you work for the city / county / state / federal and the many others that govt workers are putting their money into.
Posted by thin_blue_line08 (anonymous) on April 11, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well to all you that are against Henry Watts that critize him for his decisions and comments. Watts obviously is the president of the Board of Supervisors because he has a back bone and doesnt run from the problems he encounters each with supervisor issues and doesnt walk out of a meeting. Watts is doing a great job and has my full support. Keep it up Watts
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