Judge rules Negaunee’s city council, mayor violated Open Meetings Act

Marquette County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Mazzuchi ruled the Negaunee City Council and its Mayor Keith LaCosse violated the Open Meetings Act.

The lawsuit stems from an incident January 9, 2014 when they had Kim Klein removed from a public meeting by a police officer after he criticized City Manager Jeff Thornton’s conduct and failure of the city to fully investigate Thornton’s background before hiring him.

Judge Mazzuchi ruled even though the comments referred to the conduct of City Manager Thornton in regards to his previous employment, they were relevant as to a current controversy involving the City Manager and Treasurer.

The court awarded costs and attorney’s fees to Klein.

Klein was represented by Steve Pence of Pence & Numinen, PC and the City of Negaunee was represented by Paul Strom of Storm & Strom, PC.