City Council Minutes 1999 06 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Approval of Minutes (3/2/99) Approval of Bills Approve Addendum No. 2 to Professional Services for 1999 Street Reconstruction Project PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA John Waschak, 627 West Hawthorn Street, Louisville, Colorado, explained that he is present to discuss the property purchase by Councilman Lathrop. He stated that it appears that Councilman Lathrop negotiated the purchase behind the City's back. He explained that Lathrop participated in work sessions and knew exactly what the City's position was and what the property was worth and what the City had offered to purchase the property. However, in March, Councilman Lathrop negotiated with the property owners and in April, he closed on the property. He stated that according to the ethics ordinance, he felt that Councilman Lathrop was wrong. He asked Mayor Davidson if the matter would be investigated. Davidson replied that he would be addressing this during Council Informational Comments on Pertinent Items Not On The Agenda. Waschak continued by stating that if it's found that Councilman Lathrop is in violation of the ethics ordinance, Council should ask for his immediate resignation. Waschak explained that he feels that the residents of Ward Ill deserve better representation than Councilman Lathrop has given them. He stated that Councilman Lathrop is in this for his own self-interest and personal gain. He expressed concern that a Councilmember would use their position in this manner. Chris Hill, stepson of Councilman Lathrop, 50 E 19th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado, explained that he was contacted several times by the Daily Camera and he feels that the article they printed was an unfair representation of what Councilman Lathrop's position in this matter might be. He stated that he could understand the concerns of the Louisville citizens and City Council. He agreed that if he were involved, he would appreciate the opportunity to speak on his own behalf before any type of judgement was reached. COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL COMMENTS ON PERTINENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Davidson explained that Councilman Lathrop is out of town and Davidson felt that if Lathrop had been in town, he would have requested an opinion against the ethics ordinance himself. He stated that as Mayor, he has taken this action for Councilman Lathrop. Davidson explained that he has formally requested an opinion under the City's ethics and open government ordinance on the land transaction to see if there was any violation of the ethics and open government ordinance. He stated that, for those who may not be familiar with the ethics ordinance, an independent judge appointed by the 2