It's now been 30 days since my last records request to Lenoir City records custodian, Amber Kelso, for the simplest of documents, planning commission agendas and minutes from September. Still nothing. In the previous story, Incompetent or Obstruction, I reported the long chain of emails with city officials trying to get the information.

Below is a letter from Kyle Baisley, county attorney, to Lenoir City attorney, Walter Johnson, requesting the same information I requested on December 8th. Also, giving Johnson permission to communicate with any county officials on the illegal annexation matter. Still no documents.

City officials remind me of the little kid who got caught in the cookie jar and ran and hid behind the curtains. They can't hide behind the curtains forever.

See Baisley Letter below.

January 3, 2023

Walter:

As counsel to Loudon County on the annexation issue, I authorize and approve your direct communications with any Loudon County officials/representatives, including Van Shaver and other Loudon County Commissioners, on the matters at issue in the attached letter.  Please just keep me visibly copied on any written correspondence with those representatives going forward, and I will ask the same of them so that I can step into the conversation if/when needed. 

Please also consider this email my official request for the same information that Van requested of Amber Kelso by email on December 8, 2022, namely the Lenoir City Planning Commission agendas and minutes from any and all meetings in which the annexation of the WNW Properties, LLC property on Hwy 70 (Parcel No. 009 111.00) was discussed and/or voted on.  I would like to add to that request copies of any applications submitted in connection with that annexation, along with all agendas, minutes and applications relating to the annexation of the Belle West Pointe, LLC property (Parcel 009 118.00).

It would be very helpful if you could provide the information requested (to me and to Commissioner Shaver) prior to our call so that we can make the conversation more substantive and productive.  If we need to postpone the 2:30 call until later this afternoon, once that information has been provided, that might be best.

Thank you.

Kyle A. Baisley

Attorney

Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C.