The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Chris Gach was present for all meetings.
John sat down and stated that he wanted to speak with the Commission before he did anything. John explained that he received a summary from Steve Cohen on October 27th, 2026 and stated that he was ready to release it to the public, as well as the report that was done by Steve Cohen. Jim stated that he was worried about releasing the report, as it was done in closed session and their attorney, Ivan Schraeder, advised keeping it closed, but John and Jami reassured Jim that they spoke with another attorney and was told they could release the report and summary if the Commission voted to do so.
John made the motion to release the report done by Steve Cohen, as well as the summary received on October 27th, 2026. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
John made the motion to authorize the Custodian of Record, Bates County Clerk Jami Page, to immediately release the report and the summary done by Steve Cohen. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jami brought up a Sunshine Request that she received from Jon Dudley. She explained that the request was asking about signing in when attending the Commission meeting, how it was against the Sunshine Law and a request for the meeting minutes for October 26th, 2026. She informed them they had not been approved to be posted; therefore, she could not send them to him. Jon replied, wondering if the minutes were being held on purpose and stated that the minutes are usually always posted within forty-eight hours. Jami stated that was untrue and the Commission agreed. Jami also stated that her office is conducting an Election and have absentee voters in high demand. She then went on to explain that she spoke to her attorney about keeping record of who attends Commission meetings and was told that it was not against any Sunshine Law and encouraged them to continue taking record of such things. Posting meeting minutes to social media is a courtesy provided by the Clerk's Office and is not mandatory.
Jim stated that he was going to call Butler City Council and ask when they stopped keeping records of people in attendance, as Jon claimed he did not have to sign anything when attending them.
Jim contacted the City of Butler and was informed that City Council meetings have a sign in sheet for visitors but it is optional to sign in. If the city clerk knows the visitors that did not sing in, she notates their name on the sign in sheet.
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