Special City Council meeting called to discuss Mann issue

A special meeting of the City Council has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the regular 7 p.m. meeting, so that council members can discuss the controversy surrounding Mayor Scott Mann.

There is no provision in the municipal code for removing a city council member from office, so it is unlikely the council could take any action against Mann (left), who faces a $60,000 fine from the Political Fair Practices Commission for misappropriation of funds. However, it is a public meeting and the public will have an opportunity to address the issue before the council.

City Council members Matt Liesemeyer and Lesa Sobek have publicly rescinded their endorsements for Mann, who is running against Neil Winter in a re-election bid on Nov. 8. Earlier, State Senator Jeff Stone called for Mann's resignation.

That discussion item is the only item on the agenda for the 5 p.m. meeting. Following a 6 p.m. workshop regarding an update on the city's pavement management program, the regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Residents also will have an opportunity to speak about the Mann situation -- or any other non-agenda items -- during the public comments portion of the regular meeting.

Mann issued a statement, reported here by Menifee 24/7 Monday morning, apologizing for his conduct. A majority of those responding to the apology on the Menifee 24/7 Facebook page have called for Mann's resignation.

Menifee 24/7 tried to contact Mann to ask whether he would attend the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings. He did not respond to the message.