Great Bend City Council meetings usually start the same way, after approval of the consent agenda there is time set aside for recognizing visitors and guests who seek to address the governing body. Monday night, the Great Bend Tribune’s Andrew Murphy approached the council after the Mayor opened the public forum and noted he had previously emailed members seeking information about the city’s involvement with Economic Development.
Background
Prior to an article published Nov. 20 and prior to the emails mentioned during the meeting, the Tribune had contacted Mayor Cody Schmidt and Council members Jolene Biggs and Kevyn Soupiset inquiring about their roles as ex-officio and board members of Great Bend Economic Development, Inc.
In the phone call to the Mayor, Schmidt said that the city was no longer a member of the corporation and refused to provide details when asked about the timing that the change occurred.
During a second call moments later the Mayor said he would not make any more comments related to Economic Development. After being reminded he is an elected official, Schmidt said he didn’t have to talk if he did not want to and he was not willing to speak about details.
“Myself or the City have nothing to do with Economic Development,” Schmidt said, “Don’t call me back about this again.”
Biggs refused to answer questions during a call from the Tribune days later.
“I’m not talking to you,” she told Murphy as he introduced himself during the call. However, she told him to check for a change in the corporations bylaws.
After Monday’s meeting it was confirmed the corporations Bylaws are still valid.
Answers to questions via text messages to Soupiset, came after press time of the Nov. 20 article. Response to the question of when his role as a member of GBED’s board ended, Soupiset responded, “My representation for the city council as a director on the board ended in January of this year.”
Soupiset also noted that despite the hurdles Eco Devo has faced, there is good momentum in regards to community development and hopes that their projects get across the finish line.
Monday’s meeting
“I am trying to get some answers on the city’s role with Eco Devo,” Murphy said as he addressed the council at Monday’s meeting.
“Andrew, I’ll have to stop you right there,” Mayor Cody Schmidt said.
Schmidt told Murphy he would not be allowed to speak because Economic Development was already listed as an agenda item.
“He’s wanting to address Economic Development, and Economic Development is on tonight’s agenda,” Schmidt explained to council members. “Therefore, it cannot be addressed the night of the action. You can come back to the next meeting and address us then.”
“That doesn’t seem right,” Councilman Gary Parr responded.
“It’s right there in front of you, Gary,” Schmidt replied. “It’s been that way the entire time you’ve been here. Under ‘recognition of visitors and announcements,’ you can read it yourself.”
Murphy asked whether he would be able to speak during the agenda item discussion.
“When we get there, yeah,” Schmidt told him he would not be allotted 40 minutes and might be allowed to speak after Monday’s presentation by Economic Development Director Jason Kuilan.
Murphy said he was only expecting three.
Schmidt told Murphy he could return at the next meeting for those three minutes.
“But, I can talk today?” Murphy clarified.
“We’ll see, yeah, if I grant that wish,” Schmidt responded.
Murphy was later denied that opportunity.
After Kuilan addressed the council with GBED’s regularly scheduled monthly report, Council member Jimenez asked Murphy if his questions had been answered.
(note: find Kuilan’s full report to the council published in Dec. 4 issue.)
“My questions more pertain to the City Council and the City’s role in Economic Development, not necessarily Economic Development itself.”
“Come back in two weeks,” Schmidt said.
“I’m not saying he cannot have the floor,” Schmidt said. “But when something is on the agenda, it is not open during public comment. He is welcome to come back in two weeks and say exactly what he wanted to say tonight.”
Parr then questioned why the city allocates funds to Economic Development if the city has no ownership of the organization.
“Do you not recall when they present a budget request every year, like everyone else we fund?” Schmidt said. “If I’m not mistaken, if you look back at videos, you two (Parr and Jimenez) voted in favor of that funding. So don’t point fingers at just me. You have the final say when it goes to a vote. With that, I’m closing the Economic Development item and moving on. Andrew, you’re welcome to come back in two weeks for your three minutes.”
“Will you be here?” Murphy asked.
“Absolutely,” Schmidt said.
Ongoing
Since the Dec. 1 meeting the Tribune has been contacted separately by Great Bend Economic Development and representatives of the City of Great Bend to schedule meetings to discuss the organization.
