Investigation finds no wrongdoing in Jefferson City Sunshine Law claims

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

An investigation has concluded after a complaint was filed by a Jefferson City council member regarding a Sunshine Law violation. An independent review found the city did not violate any Sunshine Laws.

The city hired and outside firm with experience in dealing with Sunshine Law complaints, and it concluded that there were no violations. The firm argued that the meetings filled in the complaint involved less than a quorum and were only intended to provide information and not vote on any plans.

First-term Jefferson City councilman filed the complaint in October with the state against the city government alleging violations of open meetings and records laws.

Mealy claimed that notices of meetings with city council members on Oct. 17 and 18 over employee health care benefits were not posted ahead of time. A well as claiming those meetings were broken up to avoid having a quorum of city council members at any individual meeting.

In a statement from the city, it said that there was an internal review with the city's law department before the meetings in October to make sure there were in compliance with the states Sunshine Law.

The city also stated that these allegations are taken seriously and the city remains committed to conduction business in an open and transparent manner.