Mayor, are you out of order?

Has the mayor of Island Lake acted outside the scope of her authority in the firing of part-time police officer Fred Manetti?

Mayor Debbie Herrmann suspended (fired?) Ofc. Manetti on about January 1, 2010, and it does not appear that, until last night, Ofc. Manetti had any appearance before either Island Lake's Board of Fire and Police Commissioners or the Island Lake Trustees.

What does the Island Lake Village Code have to say about part-time police officers?

"6-2-2: QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
"A. Prior to appointment, all proposed part time police officers shall be fingerprinted and their fingerprints shall be checked with the federal bureau of identification, Washington, D.C., for any possible criminal record. No person shall be appointed as a part time police officer if he has been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude. The appointment of any or all part time police officers may be terminated by the mayor subject to the advice and consent of the board of trustees. (Ord. 332, 12-9-1976; amd. 1987 Code)" (emphasis added)

From all appearances Mayor Herrmann has disregarded the Village Code.

Throughout the Code reference about her decisions pertaining to hiring of police officers includes "subject to the advice and consent of the board of trustees". The Code refers mostly to hiring, rather than termination, but it is logical to extend that requirement to matters of suspension and/or termination.

Is the mayor on the hot seat by taking unilateral action, in the absence of a declared emergency, and further by her refusal to meet with the board of trustees to explain her action?

Under what circumstances could the board of trustees wrest control of their town from the clutches of the mayor and disempower her?

They could probably get an answer to that question from their law firm, Ancel Glink. The board should address that question to Attorney Scott Puma. If he feels any obligation not to answer it because of his advice to the mayor, then the board should go to a more senior partner at that law firm - or to outside counsel.