On Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, the City of Monroe received notification that District Court Judge Robert J. Conrad denied former City Councilwoman Angelia James’ motion for a preliminary injunction regarding her removal from the Monroe City Council through the Amotion process.

            Conrad’s ruling upholds the ruling and findings presented during the Amotion proceedings held Jan. 20 and 21, the subsequent hearing officer report presented to the City Council in March, and the Council’s April 7 hearing resulting in former Councilwoman James’ removal from  the Monroe City Council.

            “I am satisfied with Judge Conrad’s decision in his comprehensive order,” said Brian Borne, Monroe City Manager. “We continue to operate the city in an efficient and effective manner including the hard work of our Council, despite the open position on Council.”

            On Aug. 11, the City learned that James plans to appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The next steps would have been for the City Council to fill the council vacancy; however, the Council has agreed that it will hold those plans until the Fourth Circuit provides clarity.

Click on this link to view Judge Conrad’s denial order:

Click on this link to view Hearing Officer Valencia McDowell’s full report:

Click on this link to view the City Council Order removing Angelia James:

             Despite the Monroe City Council operating with six members, council has completed significant projects including the approval and adoption of a new Unified Development Ordinance and the approval of a balanced budget without the need for a tax increase. Council has conducted business at the council level, committee level and staff level without incident during this time­­

            Another significant milestone also occurred this week as Mayor Marion Holloway signed a proclamation officially ending the City of Monroe Declaration of Emergency brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic effective 5 p.m. Monday (Aug. 15,2022).

           “It is no surprise to anyone that these past two years have been very challenging and at times outright scary,” said Holloway. “As we continue to emerge and move forward from the challenges caused by COVID-19, I am excited and optimistic that we will continue to overcome and adapt to whatever challenges we face.”

          More information about the James case in the federal courts is available at https://pacer.uscourts.gov.