City Attorney Gary Rebenstorf said state law defines the individual voting as a public record. The failure to initially release individual votes was the result of a legal mistake, which was discovered after additional research, he added.

“There was no intention to violate the law and the Mayor and Council took immediate action when it was brought to their attention,” said Rebenstorf, who self-reported the April 14 balloting procedure to the Sedgwick County District Attorney Office. “The City apologizes for the misunderstanding that led to questions being raised over the balloting. After conversations with the District Attorney, we have concluded that the self-reporting and the immediate corrective action clear up the concern regarding any violation of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.”

The individual vote results for Vice Mayor were as follows:

Mayor Carl Brewer
First ballot vote, Jim Skelton
Second ballot vote, Jim Skelton

Councilmember Jim Skelton
First ballot vote, Jim Skelton
Second ballot vote, Jim Skelton

Councilmember Paul Gray
First ballot vote, Jeff Longwell
Second ballot vote, Jeff Longwell

Councilmember Lavonta Williams
First ballot vote, Lavonta Williams
Second ballot vote, Jim Skelton

Councilmember Janet Miller
First ballot vote, Jim Skelton
Second ballot vote, Jim Skelton

Councilmember Sue Schlapp
First ballot vote, Lavonta Williams
Second ballot vote, Lavonta Williams

Councilmember Jeff Longwell
First ballot vote, Jeff Longwell
Second ballot vote, Jeff Longwell