RULING

one meetings at which public business is discussed and/or decisions reached is a violation of the purpose of the statute, not just its spirit,” he said.

Holmes agreed with attorney Zansberg that at the Jan. 28, 2022, meeting between Peterson, Williams and Wise, the two board members gave Wise an ultimatum to resign or be red.

“ ough disguised as a choice, Wise was not given an opportunity to continue his employment,” Holmes said. “ e only options presented were options about how his job would end.”

Holmes also found that the Feb. 4, 2022, meeting where the board members red Wise without cause in a 4-3 vote did not x the board’s violation of the law because it “rubberstamped” the decision Peterson, Williams, Myers and Winegar had already made.

As evidence of this, Holmes cited the lack of public comment and conversation about Wise’s performance people and a dog. e report, released by the Douglas County Coroner’s O ce, shows both victims also had meth, alcohol and marijuana in their systems. In addition to the toxicology reports, notes were made in both autopsies that each had a history of methamphetamine use. during the meeting, as well as the quick timing. ough Marshall had asked Holmes to nd that Wise’s termination was invalid since it occurred outside of a public meeting, the judge did not rule on the matter because Wise had already settled with the district. e ongoing legal battle has cost the district more than $152,000 so far.

Mitchell was found with a “digital recorder device,” according to her autopsy report.

A coworker of Gray’s discovered him and Mitchell in the Russellville Road garage at about 1:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 2022. Devol was found and arrested at a hotel in Salina, Kansas, on Feb. 9, 2022. He complied when o cers attempted to place him in custody, according to testimony at the hearing. Autopsy results show the victims had bruising and shallow injuries and had been shot by two di erent rearms.

Deputies discovered security footage for the home that showed someone entering the garage carrying “multiple handguns and a long gun.” After a tip from a friend of the family, investigators alleged that Devol is the person in the video.

“In a review of what actually transpired at that meeting, based on a recording that was made, it is dicult to identify any portions of it that address ‘concerns’ that Peterson and Williams had other than concerns about how quickly Wise’s superintendency could be brought to an end,” Holmes said in his ruling.

Holmes declined to issue a permanent injunction, which would have explicitly prevented the board from serial conversations in the future, because he said there’s no evidence the board needed an injunction to comply with the law.

“ ere is no indication that once a court has determined their behavior did not comply with (Colorado Open Meetings Law), they will continue to engage in the prohibited practice,” he said.

Do you have...

Mysterious insects? Trees in trouble? A need for gardening advice?

CSU Extension is here for you. We provide answers and education. For more information call 720-733-6930 or visit https://douglas.extension.colostate.edu

Is yard work on your to-do list?

Warmer weather is ahead, and you can drop off any tree limbs, shrubs, brush or green yard waste that you need to dispose of for free every Saturday through October at Douglas County’s Slash-Mulch site. For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search for Slash Mulch.

Your Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is just around the corner

Looking for unique food options, star-studded country music and vintage cars all in the same place this summer? Visit the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo from July 28 to Aug. 6. To purchase tickets and view the schedule, visit FairandRodeoFun.com

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view public meeting agendas, participate in-person or remotely, or watch select meetings, visit douglas.co.us and search for Business Meetings.

Are you signed up for emergency alerts? Sign up every phone in your household now at douglas.co.us/CodeRED