Judge says city of Negaunee violated Open Meetings Act

NEGAUNEE, Mich. (AP) - A judge says the city of Negaunee and its mayor violated the Open Meetings Act by removing a resident from the podium during a public comment session in January. The Mining Journal of Marquette reports Marquette County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Mazzuchi made the ruling Monday. At the meeting, Kim Klein of Negaunee addressed council in support of the city's treasurer, who had been suspended. Klein attempted to read personnel evaluations but was interrupted multiple times by Mayor Keith LaCosse's gavel and then by several council members. LaCosse has said comments from Klein and others were prohibited personal attacks. Klein later sued. City Attorney Bruce Houghton says the city was pleased that the judge upheld a rule prohibiting such attacks but was disappointed with her interpretation of the rule. Published: Fri, Aug 01, 2014