Carl Junction aldermen set a hearing date on impeachment articles against Mayor Michael Moss

The Carl Junction Board of Aldermen voted July 1 to advance an ordinance that inserts articles of impeachment against Mayor Michael Moss and to set a tentative hearing date of Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Aldermen clarified the action at the meeting: the ordinance before them was to authorize the hearing and to list the charges that will be the subject of that hearing, not a final determination on the mayor’s status. “And then, so just so people are aware, what we are voting on tonight is just to hold the hearing,” one alderman said during the discussion.

Council members discussed whether to set a date in the ordinance and agreed it was helpful to include a tentative date to ensure witnesses, the mayor and counsel could be available. The board settled on Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m., with the understanding the date and time could be changed if necessary. One alderman said the hearing would likely be held separately from a regular meeting because it could require substantial time.

The ordinance contains blanks that the council discussed — including deadlines for the mayor’s written replies — and the board said those items could be filled in later if the parties need more time for discovery. The city attorney said the council could set a tentative date in the ordinance and amend it later if required.

A motion to move the ordinance forward and schedule the hearing passed on final action; the roll-call-style vote was recorded as seven in favor and one absent. Council members emphasized that the proceeding at this stage is to establish the hearing and notify involved parties of the charges and logistics.