At a gasp from the audience at his silent dismissal of the petition, Schulte said “I will respond during the Mayor’s report.”

Near the end of the meeting, the mayor told those present, “I do not intend to resign, I was elected and intend to serve until April and will run for re-election.”

Adams had pointed out in his presentation that the petition had no legal merit. He stressed that it was intended to show that the trust the voters had placed in their mayor had been violated. The signers of the petition feel that trust has been violated and ask that the mayor step down.

None of the aldermen responded publicly to Adams’ remarks.

The meeting turned into the shortest one Schulte’s current term as mayor, with adjournment called at 8:35. There was little public discussion on any issue.

A new ordinance changing the Planning and Zoning Board to a nine member board was passed.

It was agreed to buy curb forms from Roger Grob.

A new police officer, Gary Watson, Jr., was hired and sworn in on Chief Clyde Zelch’s recommendation.
Public Works Director Nick Grube reported that a lot of heavy metals are showing up in the tests of the north lagoon. He also reported that an employee in his department had found another job.

Schulte reported that the early warning siren that was tested during a thunderstorm on Friday, June 6, could be purchased for $15,000 each. The board agreed to work up specifications and look at grants.

Schulte then appointed Kim Pierce to the Park Board to replace Jeff Mesger who he had appointed at the April meeting. Mesger chose not to serve.

On Friday, The Gasconade County Republican found out that as many as five people had come into City Hall to report that their name was on the petition, but they had not signed it.

City Clerk Sarah Wheeler said these people were waiting for her when she got to work. Wheeler also said that the petition had been taken to her office after the meeting Thursday night and had not left her possession. Wheeler would not release the identity of anyone who claimed their name was forged.

Late Friday afternoon, The Washington Missourian printed a story that had been called into them by Schulte. The story incorrectly claimed that Republican reporter Linda Trest and Ed Adams had circulated the petition.

(Editor’s note: The Missourian did not contact Trest or Adams to verify if they had indeed circulated the petition. Contacted Friday evening by The Republican, Adams confirmed he did help circulate the petition. Trest also did not help circulate the petition. Both did, however, sign the petition and are registered voters and residents of the city. A post submitted to The Missourian’s web site refuting the story was not posted as of Tuesday afternoon. A post from Dennis Warden, co-owner and advertising manager of The Republican, was posted on Tuesday).