Quick News: Board moves to censure Mayor Johnston

     The Board of Aldermen met at the Grain Valley Community Center Thursday evening to consider actions to be taken against Mayor Chuck Johnston following the disclosure of executive session information on social media platforms. The Board met with the City Attorney in closed session to consider options, later voting 6-0 in public session to place a vote to censure Johnston on the next regular Board meeting agenda. Johnston was not in attendance at the meeting. 
     In a post on Johnston's "Mayor Chuck Johnston Grain Valley" Facebook page, Johnston engaged in a debate in the days leading up to the April 5th municipal election. In one response, Johnston disclosed that the City is selling the Nichols Building "at a loss after doing nothing with it for four years". The disclosure on social media of information that had only been discussed in executive session is what prompted the special meeting. 
     The City Attorney explained in public session that the Board had essentially four options to consider: do nothing, issue a verbal admonishment, a written censure to be passed by the board at the next meeting, or impeachment. In considering impeachment, the cost to the City in legal fees was noted as a reason why the Board chose not to pursue that option. The Board voted 6-0 to place a vote to censure Johnston on the next regular meeting agenda. 
     The next scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, April 11, 2022 at 7:00pm at City Hall.