Charter Commission Recommends Dismissal of Impeachment Claims Against Ellisville Mayor

Claims that Ellisville Mayor Adam Paul violated the city charter were recommended for dismissal by the Charter Enforcement Commission Monday night.

The commission, consisting of City Council Members Dawn Anglin, Michelle Murray and Linda Reel, unanimously voted to dismiss allegations brought forth by a resident last week. The City Council will then review the recommendation and determine if the complaint will be dismissed or further investigated. If the complaint is deemed valid, Paul would be removed from office.

Katie James, a former city council member, alleged Paul violated the city charter by ordering police to remove a member of the public from meeting premises on two occasions. James was requested to be removed in one incident.

Read more about the claims: Resident Says Ellisville Mayor Violated Charter; Wants Impeachment

Lynette Petruska, Paul's representing attorney with Pleban and Petruska Law, argued that Murray, Anglin and City Attorney Paul Martin should be disqualified from the proceedings shortly before a chairman was selected, saying each had "obvious bias and prejudice against my client" and that Paul was not being allowed due process rights. Martin repeatedly asked Petruska to sit down, adding he would request police to remove her from the room.

Martin explained Paul would have due process rights at a hearing if the matter continued and that public comments would be permitted at the council meeting, calling the commission meeting a preliminary consideration of further action. Shortly after Murray was selected as commission chairman, Petruska approached the dais, continuing to speak against the proceedings. City Manager Kevin Bookout asked Police Chief Tom Felgate to escort Petruska from the room.

Reel made a motion to recommend city council dismiss the complaint with all commission members in agreement.

"I don't consider this a win for myself or for the city," Paul said. "Ultimately I have to represent the majority of voters who elected me to office. That's my job right now."

The city council is expected to review the commission's recommendation at the next meeting Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at Ellisville City Hall.

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