Patterson: Skype Meeting Did Not Break Wyoming Public Meeting Laws

Officials with the city of Casper say a meeting held earlier this week between city councilors and the hearing officer conducting the contested case hearing against Ward II councilor Craig Hedquist did not break Wyoming laws regarding public meetings.

Casper city manager John Patterson says the meeting between councilors and Cheyenne-based arbiter Sharon Rose occurred Tuesday over Skype.

“The meeting on Tuesday night was not an executive session – the council was acting as an administrative body, and, as such under the Administrative Procedures Act, have the opportunity to talk with the hearing officer and get acquainted,” Patterson said.

Wyoming's open meetings law requires municipalities to inform the public of closed executive sessions before they occur.

The Wyoming Association of Municipalities says it can be a misdemeanor offense if town or city officials knowingly attend a meeting in violation of the open meetings law. Criminal charges may also be filed.

Patterson says the contested case hearing against Hedquist is scheduled for May 12.