Impeachment Claim Against Ellisville Mayor Gets 1st Hearing Monday

Ellisville Mayor Adam Paul will be under review of the Charter Enforcement Commission at a meeting scheduled for Feb. 18.

Katie James, a former city council member, filed a request this week for Paul's review for two incidents she claimed violated the City Charter. James suggested Paul should be impeached for the occurrences, both of which involved his requesting a police officer to remove a member of the public from meeting premises. James was an attendee removed in one case.

James alleged Paul's actions violated Section 3.4(c) of the charter that reads: 

INTERFERENCE WITH ADMINISTRATION.  Except for the purpose of inquiry, information, or investigation as established by Article Three, Section 3.11, of this Charter, the Mayor or Council Members shall deal with City officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the City Manager solely through the City Manager. Neither the Mayor nor Council Members shall give any orders to any such officer or employee, either publicly or privately.

The Charter Enforcement Commission will be comprised of three city council members: Dawn Anglin, Michelle Murray and Linda Reel. The commission, according to the city charter (outlined in the .PDF attached to this post), will then review the complaint, determining whether "probable cause exists to believe that a violation of the City Charter has occurred."

The commission can dismiss the complaint, recommend consideration of the complaint, or request "supplemental written information" to aid in determining the outcome. After the commission reviews the complaint, their recommendation or dismissal will be further reviewed by city council. The council can then choose to dismiss the complaint or move forward with a hearing.

If the complaint is voted as valid by a council majority after the hearing, the council will "adopt a final resolution of removal stating the same and the reasons for forfeiture of office, which shall be effective immediately upon adoption." The respondent would have 30 days to act in appealing the decision to St. Louis County Circuit Court.

The open Charter Enforcement Commission meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday at Ellisville City Hall.

Meeting agenda, as posted on the Ellisville city website:

I. Call to Order 

II. Administrative issues, including, but not limited to: 

A. Selection of Chairman

B. Review of Rules and Regulations

III. Review of issues pertaining to complaint filed by Katie James concerning alleged Charter violation by Mayor Adam Paul. 

IV. Determination and Recommendation pertaining to complaint filed by Katie James concerning alleged Charter violation by Mayor Adam Paul. 

V. Adjournment

RELATED CONTENT:

• Update: Ellisville Mayor Responds to Impeachment Suggestion