Sep 16, 2024 Local News
Desloge, Mo. (KFMO) - Talk of the continuing impeachment proceedings regarding Mayor Peter Pasternak dominated discussion at the latest regular meeting of the Desloge Board of Aldermen on Monday.
Soon after the beginning of the meeting, Ward III Alderman Travis Crews spoke to the standing room-only crowd, calling for civility and a stop to the disrespect toward all parties involved. This statement was met positively by the crowd. Several members of that crowd spoke during the public comment section of the agenda, largely in support of the mayor and in opposition to the impeachment effort. Desloge resident Ginger Williams spoke against the board’s recent moves:
Other residents asked about potential conflicts of interest between parties mentioned in the articles of impeachment, and a conflict of interest between Ward I Alderman John Wigger, who is the current Mayor Pro Tem, and Ward II Alderwoman Kelly Harris.
Following public comment, the board opened executive session minutes from October 2022 relating to the selection of mayor pro tem. Pasternak said Harris made the motion to appoint Wigger to the position, and therefore violated Article 7, Section 6 of the Missouri Constitution, which deals with penalties of nepotism.
In a rebuttal, Alderman Crews said president of the board isn’t an elected position, and that the mayor pro tem isn’t a separate office and therefore isn’t subject to Article 7, Section 6 and the penalties therein.
Later in the meeting, Bill 1462, an ordinance engaging special counsel for purpose of the impeachment of Pasternak, was vetoed by the mayor. In a written statement explaining the veto, Pasternak claimed the bill does not comply with Desloge City Code 105.090 and RSMO 79.230. Pasternak further claimed that the passage of the ordinance was in defiance of an order given by a judge on August 28th, who ordered the board to “start all over again” regarding impeachment proceedings. The mayor’s veto was overridden by a 4-1 vote, with only Ward III Alderwoman Debra Kester voting against, meaning the bill becomes an ordinance. The board then adjourned following the Mayor and Aldermen’s individual reports.
Wigger was not present at Monday’s meeting. The next regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be October 21, a date decided due to the Columbus Day holiday. An injunction hearing, stemming from the temporary restraining order granted to Pasternak on August 29, is scheduled for 1PM on September 10th at the St. Francois County Courthouse in Farmington.
