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Study session goes on as planned in Grand Island
Other than a brief statement on Sunday, we haven't heard much from Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek on his suspicion of driving under the Influence.
Some people thought that might change Tuesday night as the Mayor made one of his first appearances at City Hall since being arrested Saturday. The council had a study session. But, all the focus was on the Mayor and if he would address the council or the city regarding his latest arrest. The Mayor did not touch on the issue at all. And not many residents showed up Tuesday night. After roll call and a quick opportunity was given for residents to come forward if they wanted to speak on the agenda items, the Mayor went right into Tuesday night's study session regarding the city's fiscal year 2012 audit report. Dara: Business was conducted as usual at Grand Island's city council study session. According to the city's PIO Wendy Meyer Jerke, if an item is not on the agenda it's out of order to speak on the matter. But one resident expected more from the Mayor. "The ball is in his court but its not the higher standard's that he's spoke about, to me that's not the higher standard," said Paul Wicht. The Mayor was arrested and booked for suspicion of DUI in Howard County Saturday night. A 911 call lead a state trooper to a vehicle found driving on the shoulder of Hwy 281 four miles north of Hwy 58. Mayor Vavricek was released on bond and in a written statement said he was sorry and embarrassed. City Council President Bob Niemann says it if were him he would have openly addressed the issue at tonights meeting. "I'm not him. He has to decide what he wants to do, what he thinks is appropriate and I'm not going to criticize him for not speaking to the people, but had it been me that's what I would have done," said Niemann. So how will things continue to move forward at City Hall? And is the Mayor's image damaged by his latest encounter with the law? "He apologized to me personally as well as he has to the community the citizens, city staff. It's just going to take some time to figure out whats going to happen," said John Gericke. The Mayor did contact each city council member regarding the issue. Council member Gericke said when he spoke to the Mayor, the Mayor told him the incident would not happen again. No action was taken at Tuesday night's study session regarding the city's fiscal year 2012 audit report. As far as what's next with Mayor Vavricek, blood test results are pending and it has not been determined whether charges will be filed. |
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