Latest news with #JuddWeaver
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
London City Council overrides veto of 2 ordinances
London City Council met in special session Friday afternoon, overriding the mayor's veto of two ordinances that made news earlier in the week. The meeting began with the council approving a municipal road aid agreement in the amount of $177,015.54. The municipal road aid agreement, which is from the state, was funded by a fuel tax. The motion to approve the agreement was made by City Council Member Judd Weaver, with a second by Council Member Justin Young. The agreement received the support of each council member present. Councilperson Holly Little was not in attendance. City Clerk Katelin McPeek passed out copies of the resolution for council members to sign. Council members then additionally agreed to authorize Mayor Randall Weddle to sign the agreement. The council also unanimously voted to override the mayor's veto of two ordinances — Ordinance 2025-01 and Ordinance 2025-02. The vetoes made news earlier this week after City Attorney Larry Bryson questioned the legality of the Mar. 20 special-called meeting at which the first reading of each ordinance was held. During Monday's regular meeting, Bryson advised that council members illegally called a special meeting in violation of KRS 83A.130(11). This statute mandates that special-called meetings must be called either by the mayor or the majority of council members through a written request. The first ordinance requires that all supporting documents for city council agenda items be provided at least seven days before a regular meeting. If documents are submitted late, the items will be tabled unless the council approves the late submission at the meeting. Any ordinances that conflict with Ordinance 2025-01 have consequently been repealed, as the ordinance took effect upon publication. Council Member Kelly Greene made the motion Friday to approve the veto override, which was seconded by Councilperson Stacy Benge. Ordinance 2025-02 established the details of the council's regular meetings, amending Ordinance 2002-05. Under the new ordinance, meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., or the following day in the case of a conflicting holiday. Meetings will take place at the London Community Center, located at 529 South Main Street, unless otherwise announced. Council Member Benge made the motion to override the veto of the ordinance, receiving a second by Councilperson Weaver. The council's vote brought the meeting to adjournment. To watch the livestream of this meeting, visit The City of London Facebook page. The London City Council will hold their May meeting Monday, May 5, at 5:30 p.m.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Recent city council meeting sparks petition to remove council members
An online petition created by a London resident to demand removal of four London City Council members for 'unjust conduct' has garnered over 560 signatures as of press time Tuesday afternoon. Community member Vanessa Miller created the petition following the Feb. 3 city council meeting. The meeting, where arguments between council members and community members ensued, resulted in the removal of two speakers. 'I bore witness to their overt hostility and poor representation of our beloved city, London,' Miller wrote in the description. 'These actions don't merely cast a dark shadow over that particular meeting; they spotlight a significant and recurring problem. We find ourselves questioning the integrity of our local administrative body, concerned about an unjust and non-transparent council whose motives seem to extend beyond the welfare of its citizens.' The petition calls for the removal of council members Kelly Smith-Greene, Anthony Ortega, Judd Weaver, and Justin Young. The list excludes council members Stacy Benge and Holly Little. Miller declined comment to The Sentinel-Echo, saying that she would reach out 'if something changes.' 'We do not want to comment on this item at the current time,' Miller said of herself and a fellow unnamed contributor. The council members are aware of Miller's petition, some giving comment. 'Nothing would ever come of it, I do know that, because it just doesn't work that way,' Young commented, noting concerns that not all of the signers are actual London residents. Ortega made a similar statement, commenting, 'I don't think that that's even how it works.' 'I understand the public's frustration and outrage with the council. Our meetings have devolved into a public spectacle,' said Little. 'I hope moving forward we will maintain a decorum fitting of the office.' Council Member Kelly Greene declined comment. Attempts to contact council members Stacy Benge and Judd Weaver were unsuccessful at press time. 'We do not have, in Kentucky, a recall election petition. Some other states do but Kentucky is not one,' City Attorney Larry Bryson confirmed. However, Bryson shared that the petition could have evidentiary value in a hearing. He continued that, in order for council members to be removed, at least one of the following must occur: — Someone bringing charges against council members in the case of misconduct or willful neglect of their duties — An ethics complaint being brought before the Ethics Board — A complaint being made to the Kentucky Attorney General's office, resulting in an ouster proceeding KRS 83A.040 (9) states, 'Except in cities of the first class, any elected officer, in case of misconduct, incapacity, or willful neglect in the performance of the duties of his or her office, may be removed from office by a unanimous vote of the members of the legislative body exclusive of any member to be removed, who shall not vote in the deliberation of his or her removal. No elected officer shall be removed without having been given the right to a full public hearing.' Though the petition alone cannot remove the council members, several residents are using it as an opportunity to voice their opinions on the matter. The petition can be found at
