Bardstown council prepares for next week’s hearing to remove the mayor
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Tuesday, April 4, 2017, 9 p.m. — Bardstown Mayor John Royalty did not attend Tuesdays city council working session, which — depending on the outcome of next Wednesdays’ removal hearing — may have been one of his final meetings as the city’s mayor.
Following the same procedure as last week’s meeting, City Attorney Tim Butler opened the meeting and the council members voted Councilman Dick Heaton to preside at the meeting.
Councilman Dick Heaton was presiding officer at Tuesday’s council meeting after Mayor John Royalty did not attend.
Much of the council meeting business was related to next week’s removal hearing.
HEARING OFFICER. At the last council meeting, Councilman John Kelley was tasked with locating a hearing officer to preside at next Wednesday’s removal hearing. At Tuesday’s meeting he recommended former 11th Circuit Judge Doughlas “Dodie” George to serve as hearing officer at next Wednesday’s hear.
In May 2014, Judge George served as hearing officer during the removal hearing conducted for Hodgenville Mayor Terry Cruse. The council unanimously approved hiring Judge George at a rate of $200 per hour.
The council also unanimously approved a municipal order informing city employees that the city council’s investigator and the mayor or his designee, may give email notice to city employees to requested their attendance at next Wednesday’s removal hearing.
The municipal order cites the city’s personnel policies that require employees to appear at the hearing and cooperate if requested to attend. Those who attend will be paid their usual rate of pay.
COUNCIL LEGAL COUNSEL. Councilman Kelley told the council that in light of media reports that indicate the mayor may take legal action against the council in circuit court, he recommended the council go ahead and select an attorney to represent the council should it become necessary.
Kelley recommended the council consider hiring former city attorney Bruce Reynolds. The council voted that if it becomes necessary, a simple majority of the council could sign an agreement for his services.
In other business, the council approved reimbursing Councilwoman Kecia Copeland with some funding left over from her travel and training account.
NEXT UP. The council will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12 for a hearing on potential removal of Mayor John Royalty in Courtroom B at the Nelson Justice Center, 200 Nelson County Plaza.
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