Manning City Council's agenda violates FOIA

MANNING — A public hearing amending Manning’s district regulations pertaining to educational services will be held during Manning’s City Council meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 29 W. Boyce St.
Later in the meeting, members of council will consider passage of the amended ordinance.

Council members will also consider passage of an ordinance that pertains to the recovery of the collection debts from delinquent debts.

Under new business, council members will consider appointments to the city’s Tree Board for terms expiring on Nov. 30, 2018. Council members will also consider approving the purchase of a 1999 International 4700 bucket truck for $21,500 from Joey Martin Auctioneers LLC.

Council members will also vote on the transference of $5,800 in the city’s Street Department from Lot Clearing to Capital Improvements to cover the expenses for a fence installation. They will also vote on the transfer of $7,436 within the Utilities Department to cover the expenses for a pump repair. Council will also consider transferring $9,500 within the Utilities Department to cover the costs for pump repair.

Following council member comments, the agenda lists an illegal executive session. As per the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, all governmental bodies are required by law to list what will be discussed within an executive session before they can go behind closed doors to discuss the matter. Council’s agenda does not list the matter to be discussed in the scheduled executive session.

Item XV on the agenda states, “Possible action following executive session for items discussed in executive session.” Since the scheduled executive session is illegal, this item is also outside the boundary of the state’s FOIA law.

All council meetings are open to the public.