Olmsted attorney to handle Westfield matter

The investigation into alleged improper actions by a township board in Dodge County is being handled by the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office, and a decision could come forth within the next few weeks.
Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem confirmed he is personally reviewing the case against the Westfield Township Board of Supervisors. Ostrem got involved with the investigation after both Dodge and Steele counties declined to take it on, citing a conflict of interest.
At the center of the investigation is whether township officials did something illegal when they declined to hold a vote on whether or not the township should develop zoning standards stricter than those set by Dodge County. The issue arose after the annual town meeting on March 10 when a group of citizens presented a petition for a vote of electors. The board refused to conduct the election. 
In June, Dodge County Concerned Citizens filed a complaint against the township board. DCCC, which is represented by Glenwood attorney James Peters, has asked for criminal charges to be filed against the board.