West G BOE Settles with ‘Bounty Hunter’ Ames Again
West Geauga Schools Board of Education once again unanimously passed a resolution May 20 to enter into a settlement agreement with Brian M. Ames — this time for $8,275.
West Geauga Schools Board of Education once again unanimously passed a resolution May 20 to enter into a settlement agreement with Brian M. Ames — this time for $8,275.
Ames filed a complaint Feb. 1 alleging the school board did not comply with Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code regarding the way in which the board notifies the public of meetings, or in meeting minute procedures in connection to committee meetings.
“Administrative committee meetings do not require public notice. Board committee meetings do,” Superintendent Richard Markwardt said. “In both these cases, the dispute lies in defining the nature of the committees in question. The settlement is less costly than litigation would be.”
Once he receives payment of $8,275, Ames has three days to file a voluntary dismissal with prejudice with the court, rendering the litigation settled.
The agreement shows Ames also consented to cease actions against West Geauga BOE on the matter.
“(Ames) shall discontinue all claims regarding, relating to, or arising out the facts and circumstances alleged in the litigation and shall discontinue all public records requests and any other claims arising from the facts and circumstances alleged in the litigation,” the agreement said.
School board members previously made a settlement agreement with Ames for $4,000 during their meeting March 18.
In that case, Ames filed a Writ of Mandamus Jan. 9 alleging the school board did not fully comply with Section 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code, which concerns public records requests.
Ames, who lives in Mogadore, is a self-appointed “bounty hunter” for open meetings violations. He has filed lawsuits against a long list of alleged violators of the state’s Sunshine Laws, including government bodies and school districts around the state, as reported in the Feb. 8 issue of the Geauga County Maple Leaf.
“My opinion related to the board’s commitment to being accountable, open and honest remains unchanged,” Markwardt said.
