University City Resident Claims She Was Unfairly Removed from Sales Tax Board

University City resident Gloria Nickerson said she was unfairly removed as a member of the Economic Development Retail Sales Tax Board by Mayor Shelley Welsch.

At Monday night's meeting, Nickerson said she wanted a written and public apology from the mayor, who she accused of defaming her character.

"I do economic development so I don't need people out here saying, 'oh well they kicked her off...That's not fair."'

Former U. City Mayor Joe Adams nominated Nickerson to the Sales Tax board on April 12. 

"The City Attorney gave us an opinion that it was an illegal appointment and I took the action that I felt was necessary," said Mayor Welsch.

Nickerson's nomination was controversial because it was not on the agenda at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, in violation of the Sunshine Law. 

Last month, Nickerson received a letter from the City that said a previous board member had been reappointed, and that the City Attorney had reviewed her status and concluded that her appointment was illegal.

Councilman Terry Crow spoke out on behalf of Nickerson Monday night. He said at least three councilmembers had no knowledge Nickerson had been removed from the board. He asked the mayor, what authority she used to make an appointment to an already occupied board.

"There is nothing going on. It was an improper appointment," said Councilwoman Lynn Ricci. Ricci had objected to the initial appointment when it happened.