Stenger said in a statement that the resolution was “a political stunt that demonstrates poor judgement and has no legal basis or effect. St. Louis County voters elected me by a 20-point margin in November and I will remain County Executive for at least four years. During this time, I encourage the Council to set aside pettiness and stop trying to circumvent the will of the people.”

The county charter says that if any County Council member is absent from more than four meetings without being excused by resolution of the council, the member’s office is forfeited. The county charter also says the county executive “shall” attend the meetings but does not spell out a penalty for failing to attend.

Stenger missed nine straight meetings from mid-November to early February. While council members have kicked the proposal around behind the scenes, he has attended three in a row. Stenger has called the council a “circus” and claimed he has the discretion to miss its meetings.

The council’s resolution says Stenger “willfully failed to devote his entire time to the duties of his office” and “willfully neglected his official duty” by skipping the meetings. It is co-sponsored by Council Chairman Sam Page and Democrats Lisa Clancy and Hazel Erby.