The former director for the Prattville/Autauga Library has officially filed a lawsuit against the library board weeks after he was terminated for allegedly sharing confidential information and illegally recording executive sessions.
Last month, the Autauga/Prattville Library Board voted to terminate then-library director Andrew Foster for "revealing confidential information in violation of criminal law."
The confidential information Foster was accused of sharing involved a public records request filed with the library by the far-left website Alabama Political Reporter (APR). APR reporter Jacob Holmes then used the information in an article highlighting perceived ambiguity and confusion with the new board's policies involving "weeding," removing or relocating books.
The story contained information between board members and attorney Laura Clark, which Clark contends is privileged attorney/client information. Additionally, board chairman Ray Boles claimed Foster recorded executive sessions, which he claims violated Alabama's Open Meetings Act (OMA) law.
In response, Foster's attorney sent the board a letter demanding his reinstatement as director, restoration of library privileges and a "name-clearing hearing."
The letter claims the library board violated the Alabama Open Meetings Act on the following occasions:
· In the motion to convene an executive session, saying that the board failed to enumerate a reason for the executive session.
· By improperly deliberating on Foster's termination before a public meeting, alleged in the fact that the board had a pre-prepared resignation letter and press release before the board voted to terminate Foster
· By discussing Foster's job performance during the executive session, which is not permitted under OMA.
· By failing to give proper notice of the board's follow-up meeting on March 16 to elect a new interim director.
Foster additionally sent retraction demands to Clark and Boles, claiming defamation.
On Wednesday, Foster's attorney officially filed a suit with the Autauga County Circuit Court against the library board, alleging five violations of the state's Open Meetings Act (OMA), four of which were alleged in the original letter.
In the suit, Foster's attorney requested the recovery of costs, an order invalidating the board's actions during the allegedly illegal meetings, an injunction restoring his employment, and a civil penalty of $1,000 against the board for each count.
Any citizen can file a complaint for a violation of the OMA. If the court rules against the public body, it can impose fines on members of the body of up to $1,000 or half a month's salary, whichever is less, for each violation. The minimum fine is $1. The government body may, but is not required to, pay the legal fees of individuals who violate OMA.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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