PEA RIDGE — John Cody has not attended City Council since February. Two council meetings were canceled for lack of a quorum.
“Every time I go to Council, I get arrested,” Cody said Tuesday, “and I have the legal stuff going on.” He said he has no definite plans to resign, but will let “the proper channels” know if he moves out of the city or resigns.
“I’ve been in touch with them at City Hall,” Cody said.
Mayor Jackie Crabtree said he had not heard from Cody since the April meeting.
Cody, contacted Tuesday, said he is still in town and staying with a friend, but refused any other comment. He refused to meet for an interview, but insisted he is in Pea Ridge.
His house phone is disconnected.
His city water service to his house was disconnected July 19. A classified ad to rent his house was placed July 6 in The TIMES, then canceled July 14 because the house was rented.
Cody was arrested the night of both the March and the April council meetings. He had notified city officials the night of the March meeting that he was ill, then came to City Hall for the already-canceled meeting. He was arrested for DWI and refusal to submit.
He drove to the April meeting in a Garfield city truck and was arrested for driving on a suspended driver’s license.
The July City Council meeting was canceled due to lack of a quorum. Of the four elected council members, only Bob Cottingham attended July 20.
Nadine Telgemeier was on vacation for the July meeting, according to the mayor. The July meeting was rescheduled for 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2. The mayor said there is business which must be conducted in a timely manner.
Councilman Jack Kelly said he did not know about the July 20 meeting or he would have been there.
As for Cody’s position on the Council, if he has moved out of the city, he is not eligible to continue to serve.
The mayor said it must be confirmed where Cody lives, and if he has left the city, a replacement will be appointed.
When asked if Cody’s lack of attendance has affected city business, Crabtree said: “It has in that we’ve had meetings we couldn’t hold.”
At court in Pea Ridge June 22, Cody was appointed a public defender.
Yvette Duvall with the Benton County public defender’s office has been appointed to represent Cody. Attempts to reach Duvall were unsuccessful.
His court appearance, previously set for July 27, was postponed until Aug. 24.
News, Pages 1 on 07/28/2010