PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Port Richey's remaining three city council members came to a stalemate at Thursday's special meeting on not one, but both major issues they discussed. 

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"Morally, he should not hold this city hostage and let us go ahead and move forward," Councilwoman Jennie Sorrell said to the applause of suspended Acting Mayor Terrence Rowe.

Sorrell made the motion to begin forfeiture proceedings for Rowe, which would be the first step to removing him from office. Councilman Richard Bloom refused to second, and Councilman William Dittmer was unable to because he was chairing the meeting.

"Councilman Bloom refused to accept the gavel, knowing full well that would allow two votes. So, he played a game of chess and, evidently, succeeded," said City Manager Vince Lupo.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Rowe last month following his arrest for allegedly interfering in the investigation into former Mayor Dale Massad. 

Bloom noted that Rowe could reclaim his seat if acquitted, and said that he deserved due process. City Attorney James Mathieu told the council that forfeiture is a process that its charter gives it the ability to explore at any time, and it's not related to the governor's order. Bloom also argued that Rowe's alleged actions don't meet the criteria outlined in the charter for pursuing forfeiture.

"The malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance issue relates specifically to his performance here in office, and he did not rise to that level," Bloom said. 

Sorrell also accused Bloom of holding the city hostage.

"We're not judging Mayor Rowe or Mayor Massad moving forward with the business of this city. Why does Dr. Bloom feel that we should not move forward?" she asked.

The council was also expected to appoint an interim member to fill the seat vacated by Rowe when he became acting mayor. Five eligible candidates came forward to make their case. When it came time for the council to make a decision, however, all three members nominated different candidates, and all refused to budge and second another member's nomination.

Despite two weeks of inaction on these issues, Lupo said city business is being conducted.

"The city is operating. The city is moving forward. There was an item on the agenda, it was the consent agenda that allowed us to pay all the bills and do all the normal things. The city is still working," he said.

The acting mayor issue is expected to be on the agenda for the council's next regularly scheduled meeting, which has been pushed back to April 23. Lupo also encouraged any additional residents who wish to be appointed to council to come forward.