DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen removed John Guio as chairman of the Plan Commission due to an ethics violation.

Povlsen said the decision to remove Guio was made when he would not refrain himself for taking part in a vote regarding a possible expansion for Hope Haven.

“Before the voting took place, Guio made it known his wife was on the board for Hope Haven,” Povlsen said. “If you have a conflict of interest, you must refuse yourself from voting.”

When Guio voted anyway, Povlsen said he was forced to make a decision.

“One of my duties as mayor is to assure the code of ethics is upheld,” Polvsen said. “Because of Guio’s decision to take part in the voting, I felt it was my duty to ask him to step down.”

Guio refused Povlsen’s request which led to his removal as chairman and from the board.

As for the Plan Commission, Polvsen now has to look for a replacement to fill the spot.

“I’ll have to speak with current members and appoint someone to fill the vacancy,” he said.