By Heather Ratcliffe
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
CLAYTON, Mo. — St. Louis County Circuit Judge John Ross ruled Monday that he will have to sign off on payment of any bills by the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District until he appoints a third director to its board on Nov. 19.
Ross granted a preliminary injunction to continue a freeze on the district’s funds except for ordinary expenses like payroll, fuel for vehicles and medical supplies for ambulances.
He found that the controversial board, which is down to two members, is deadlocked because Secretary-Treasurer Rhea Willis refuses to second any motion. He said President Robert Edwards appears to have acted without authority since Oct. 6.
“The conducting of district business, including making the decision to go into closed session, by a single voting director is contrary to the best interest of the residents of the district, and cannot inspire public confidence,” Ross said. He heard evidence in the dispute Friday.
For any payments to be made before Nov. 19, Willis and Edwards must agree in writing and submit the bills to the court for payment, Ross said.
The district’s funds have been frozen since Oct. 20, when another judge issued a temporary restraining order pending a full hearing.
Kevin Buchek, chairman of the Bel-Nor Board of Trustees, filed the suit seeking the freeze, citing concerns that district officials could raid Northeast’s coffers before the board changes later this month. Buchek said Monday: “I’m happy with the court’s decision. I think the (current board members) will agree to pay ordinary expenses.”
The board’s attorney, Elbert Walton Jr., who represented Edwards in fighting the suit, declined to comment. Willis, who has said she was pushed out of district decision-making, did not contest the suit.
Another board attorney, Bernard Edwards Jr., who represented Fire Chief Joe Washington in the suit, said the order may be appealed. “We’ve contested vigorously the jurisdiction of this court,” he said after the hearing.
Last week, the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney’s office asked the circuit court to remove Robert Edwards from office, alleging he conducted district meetings without a quorum and a majority vote of the board. Edwards has until Friday to respond. Ross is also the judge in that case.
Copyright 2009 St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Inc.
All Rights Reserved