The Audubon City Council is expected to act Monday, on the consideration of applications for, and the appointment of, a City Clerk. At least six applications from persons interested in the position had been received as of early last week.

At its Jan. 13th meeting the City Council voted 4-1 to appoint Janet Nelson to the fill the position, instead of re-appointing long-time City Clerk Lora Hansen. Nelson later turned down the job, and the Council voted on Jan. 27th to leave Hansen in the position until it could get legal advice on hiring an interim clerk. On Feb. 9th, the Council voted to nullify the action it took Jan. 13th, and opted to have Hansen serve as the “Hold over” clerk, while at the same time seeking applications for her possible successor or an interim clerk. Action on the appointment of a City Clerk or Interim City Clerk was tabled, because as with the January 13th meeting, there was not a sufficient notice of publication of the Council’s intent.

Audubon County Attorney Francine Anderson has said she is considering filing a complaint with the Iowa Public Information Board regarding a possible violation of the state’s Open Meetings law by the Audubon City Council, Mayor and City Attorney. Andersen said in a letter dated Feb. 28th, that she had been conducting a low-key review and investigation of matters related to the controversial, and possibly illegal firing of the Audubon City clerk in January, and has concluded that there is “Probable cause” to believe violations of Open Meetings and Public Records laws have taken place.

In other business, the Audubon City Council, Monday, will a hold a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget, followed by action on a Resolution approving the budget. They will also act on a motion to set the date for a public hearing on accepting a purchase agreement for property at 408 Market Street, and authorize the Mayor to execute any and all documents needed to finalize the purchase, including, but not limited to, the deed in lieu of condemnation. The hearing is expected to take place March 24th, at 7-pm.