Lind council postpones rule changes

LIND — With Councilman Robert Dew excused and Councilwoman Myra Horton attending via phone call, the town council postponed making changes to its rules and procedures.

The rules and procedures were presented by Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Pence during a meeting Tuesday, July 25.

Pence proposed expanding on the confidentiality of executive sessions, as well as additions to rules for encouraged versus prohibited behavior during meetings.

She also attempted to expand the town’s code of ethics as they relate to public forums – such as social media – as well as sanctions for violators.

Lastly, Pence attempted to alter the section dedicated to conflicts of interest. Specifically, she proposed crossing out a section regarding the intentional manipulation of another member with false, inaccurate or misleading information.

The changes were met with immediate distrust from the public and hesitance from the council.

Resident Denise Snead told the council it should look at the rules and procedures and direct revisions, not take revisions from the town clerk/treasurer, an employee of the mayor.

Mayor Paula Bell interjected, commenting that council members should know the rules inside and out.

They should not need more time to review the proposed changes, she said.

Councilmen Dworshak moved to postpone the changes to allow council members time to review the proposed changes properly. Horton quickly seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The motion was seconded by Myra Horton and passed unanimously.

Both Bell and Pence have come under fire from the public for town hall operations, water-related disputes and Bell’s hiring of Pence, who has a criminal record.