Smithville mayor ethics complaint dismissed

SMITHVILLE — City Council last week chose not to further investigate claims against Mayor Sharon Foerster, who had been accused of violating Smithville’s ethics policy.

The special-called session March 23 came after Police Chief David Repka filed a complaint against the mayor for allegedly misusing his name in a recent search through city records. The meeting was held as a public hearing at the request of Foerster, though much of the original complaint was dismissed prior to Monday’s session and not shared.

The council could have held the meeting behind closed doors in executive session, according to Thomas Gwosdz, the city’s legal counsel.