A DeKalb City Council member called for the resignation of an alderman in a press conference Tuesday attended by several city officials, local media and six of the seven aldermen.

Fifth Ward Alderman Bessie Chronopoulos, who called the press conference, said, “I … ask for the resignation of the 7th Ward Alderman Mark J. Powell.” Chronopoulos said her request was based on Powell’s “unwarranted, abusive comments, irrelevant proposals (and his) continual self-serving statements.”

Chronopoulos also called for other city council members to investigate passing an ordinance providing for recalling an alderman.

After she read her statement, each of the other five aldermen spoke in support of Chronopoulos’ proposal.

Second Ward Alderman Michael Welsh discussed the reasons the six council members were seeking Powell’s resignation.

“Something horrendous has happened here … a council member has come forth who is totally self-serving in motivation,” Welsh said. “His irresponsible comments and petty antics have done a great disservice to the City of DeKalb in that they have distracted staff, city council members and citizens from taking a good perspective on issues.

“His continual interruption of proposals based only on issues which will create headlines and dissention is irresponsible.”

Powell’s reaction, when contacted after the 6:30 p.m. press conference, was, “Big deal.” His response to the proposal to recall an alderman was, “That’s illegal.

“These people are heartless and ruthless and will do anything to stop political opposition in this city.”

Other proposals by Chronopoulos included changing the order of the council agenda to allow for executive session meetings and staff reports to precede ward reports and encouraging constituents “to become aware of the destructive element (referring to Powell) adversely affecting our city government and our community.”

First Ward Alderman Christine Hoagland said some students living in the 7th ward have signed petitions requesting Powell’s removal. However, when questioned after the conference, she said she did not know who organized the petition drive or the number of people who signed petitions.

Although a majority of a quorum met and discussed city business, DeKalb County State’s Attorney Philip DiMarzio said the press conference probably did not constitute a meeting, which is subject to 24-hour notice to members and the public.

“If they (city council members) did nothing more than stating their own views, I see no violation” of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, DiMarzio said.