The Minden City Council met in a special session Tuesday, July 22 in the Council Chambers of City Hall to consider two resolutions involving legal matters.
The first item on the agenda was a resolution to adopt and ratify a settlement agreement in the amount of $26,912.57 between the City of Minden and Shawanda Hall and Donald Benard. The amount includes $25,000 for the settlement and $1,912.57 in associated costs.
Before action was taken, Wes Merriott addressed the council during the public comments period. Merriott identified himself as a journalist and political columnist, a retired law enforcement officer, and a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee for District 36G. He raised concerns about the legality of the settlement procedure.
Merriott stated that, by law, settlements over $10,000 must be published in the official journal for at least ten days before a council vote. “The problem is not the desire to settle; the problem was how the process was handled, and that falls squarely on the legal advice you were given,” said Merriott. He offered several recommendations for resolving the issue and advised the council to adopt better procedures moving forward. “You cannot undo the past, but you can correct the process from this point forward,” he said.
The council entered executive session and, upon returning at 6:46 PM, they voted unanimously to table the settlement resolution.
The second resolution, which authorizes Mayor Nick Cox to enter into a contract with attorney Aaron L. Green to serve as outside counsel for the City of Minden, was adopted unanimously. Green’s role will include handling civil service matters, public records requests, and other legal issues under the supervision of the city attorney.
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for August 4 at 6 PM. Meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on the City of Minden’s Facebook page and YouTube channel under the name “City of Minden.”