Councilman Thomas apologizes for possible ethics violation

The Columbia City Council on Monday night will talk more about an apparent ethics violation.

The council will discuss a letter it has received a letter from Columbia Community Land Trust, saying it did not authorize anyone to negotiate on its behalf.

Councilman Ian Thomas sent out a letter apologizing on Sunday. He said he and the developer of the Oakland Crossings project wanted to support more affordable housing in Columbia when they met last November. It was too late for the developer to tweak his plan. Thomas suggested a donation to the community land trust, in exchange for his support of the development.

Thomas has reported himself to the Missouri Ethics Commission.