Resident Wants Clermont Steering Committee Meetings Open to Public

(posted Nov 21)

Resident Linda Lucas demands the Clermont Study Committee meetings be open to the public and claims the prior meetings violated the open door law.

Ball State contacted the Navigator on November 9 to place a meeting announcement on the website for the November 12 meeting.

Town Councilor Walt Miller initiated the quality of life issue study with Ball State University College of Architecture after seeing the redevelopment project start in Speedway. He appointed the steering committee, including town council members Nancy Baxter and Bob Hinshaw, to gather information to envision Clermont's future.

Lucas is also upset because she did not know the steering committee has had past meetings that helped with developing the survey.

The Speedway Navigator contacted town attorney Bob Lutz about the issue and the need to make these public meetings. Lutz explained he was not aware that the steering committee had become active. He indicated he would talk to Miller about making the steering committee meetings open to the public and that proper notice is given before conducting a meeting.

According to the Public Access Counselor, the Open Door Law defines a public agency as "any advisory commission, committee, or body created by statute, ordinance, or executive order to advise the governing body of a public agency." IC 5-14-1.5-2(a)(5).