Sixth Ward Alderman Tim Lobdell said he erred during an exchange with City Administrator Dean Torreson.
The exchange during the June 18 City Council meeting concerned eight structures that are to be torn down as part of the city's Fix or Flatten program.
Torreson said he would ask contractors to submit a single bid for demolishing all eight. Lobdell contended that aldermen directed Torreson to seek bids on each individual structure. He said that direction was given the previous week during an executive session.
Local governments are allowed to hold executive sessions -- which are closed to the public -- to discuss certain items.
Lobdell this week acknowledged he was mistaken. He said what was actually suggested during executive session was to have the structures separated out so liens could be attached to each.
Tri States Public Radio had inquired with the city after Lobdell's initial comments because of concerns over whether there had been a violation of the state's Open Meetings Act. Direction regarding the way bids should be structured should be held in public session.
Lobdell's retraction appears to clear up the matter.
