Iola City Councilman Bob Shaughnessy, who has represented Iolans in the northeast part of town since 2013, resigned from the Council Monday.
Shaughnessy, has frequently missed meetings, mostly due to his work as a residential contractor. Shaughnessy attended the first Council meeting of the year on Jan. 8, but missed the subsequent seven regular meetings, a special Feb. 5 meeting and a March 15 strategic planning session.
We wish him the best of luck, Mayor Jon Wells said at Mondays meeting. It wasnt a decision he made lightly.
Shaughnessy was first elected in April 2013 to a two-year term, then was unopposed in his re-election bid for a four-year term in 2015.
Wells hopes to appoint a replacement at the Councils May 14 meeting. He asked any resident living in Iolas Ward 2 to contact City Hall by May 9.
The appointment is subject to a vote of the remaining Council members.
THE AMOUNT of time allotted for public comment drew scrutiny after Iolan Larry Walden was cut short while he argued there was no need for utility rate hikes.
During his presentation, Walden said the citys heavy use of budget transfers from the electric fund unfairly painted its budget as out of whack, thus necessitating a Nov. 28 vote to raise the rates the third consecutive year electric rates have been increased.
Walden said the city generates, on average, a 10 percent profit on all operations, but that isnt good enough.
Waldens comments came prior to the Councils discussion, and subsequent vote, to increase water rates in June, with another rate hike coming in January.
WELLS interrupted Walden to note he was nearing the 3-minute time limit for the public to discuss items not on the agenda.
Id like to hear what he has to say, Councilman Aaron Franklin replied, asking the Council to allot Walden an additional five minutes to speak.
The vote failed, 3-3, because altering the rules required a two-thirds vote majority, Wells explained. Council members Ron Ballard, Nancy Ford and Chase Martin voted to cut off Waldens comments. Councilmen Michael Middleton and Gene Myrick voted with Franklin to allow the longer time limit. Councilman Mark Peters was absent.
Its another way you guys are able to maintain control over people, Walden responded as he exited the meeting.
The episode didnt sit well with Franklin.
