VERMILION TWP — Vermilion Township trustees declined Trustee Kenn Baughman’s request for a public hearing related to allegations involving his access to former township building official Joe Baxter’s office, following review by the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office.
The issue was previously reported by Vermilion Daily after Baughman stepped down as chair for 30 days and said he wanted the matter reviewed publicly rather than behind closed doors.
Prosecutor Correspondence Discussed
The matter was discussed during the May 6 regular business meeting as trustees reviewed correspondence addressed to the board.
During the meeting, Acting Chair Don Rowe referenced correspondence from Erie County Assistant Prosecutor Jason Hinners regarding Baughman’s request for a public hearing.
Baughman asked whether the prosecutor’s email would be read into the record.
Rowe said it would not be read publicly because it was considered attorney-client privileged communication.
“There is information in your packet about attorney Hinners’ response for the request from Trustee Baughman to have an open public hearing,” Rowe said during the meeting. “It is the decision of the chairman of the Board of Trustees to deny the request for the open public hearing.”
Trustees did not publicly discuss additional details regarding the matter during the meeting.
No additional public action was taken on the hearing request.