Maitland officials discuss mayor's possible violations

It was a packed City Council meeting in Maitland Monday night, where leaders discussed whether Mayor Howard Schieferdecker violated the city's charter.

News 96.5 learned the possible charter violations in late August, after Schieferdecker had meetings behind closed doors to talk about the financial deal for a $90 million downtown redevelopment project.

But Schieferdecker has no administrative power because Maitland uses a “weak mayor” form of government and he's essentially just another council member. Officials said the mayor can only direct city staffers through the city manager.

The mayor appeared transparent at the meeting Monday evening and told residents he believed he had done nothing wrong. He told council members that he only met with consultants, not staffers, about the redevelopment project.

"I have never, never given direction to staff," said Schieferdecker.

"You always seem to have an excuse and someone else to blame. Shame on you," said former Maitland mayor Doug Kinson.

News 96.5 learned that Schieferdecker had the opportunity to get an attorney to help with the issue, but he refused. The mayor has scheduled a workshop in October to further discuss the matter.