DOLTON, Ill. (WLS) – Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard did not appear at a special town council meeting where sweeping measures to limit spending, issue business licenses and approve a new fire service contract were approved.

Although Henyard was not present, she was still the target of scathing public comment.

“We have been fighting this demon for the last three years, and I actually called her a demon, and I meant what I said, and I said what I meant,” said one resident present.

“I won’t stop until she’s behind bars,” said another.

In Henyard’s absence, the trustees took sweeping action: They approved a temporary moratorium on reimbursement of travel and meal expenses for elected officials and employees, changed rules regarding check signing requirements, and approved 18 business licenses that the trustees said had been on hold.

The board also approved a new firefighter contract it negotiated with its attorney through 2027, after the union had been without such a contract for four years.

Firefighters blame Henyard for the numerous canceled wage negotiations.

“The trustees did what they had to do and it was a breeze. Everything went very well,” said Lt. Adam Farej, Dolton Fire Local 3766.

Trustees also voted to fire Deputy Police Chief Lewis Lacey, who pleaded not guilty to federal court charges of bankruptcy fraud last month. That same day, Henyard and Lacey were recorded telling officers he was still the head of the department, but now the state board that certifies police officers lists Lacey as “inactive” with an Aug. 14 termination date from the Dolton police department.

“This is our community. We need to take it back and we will continue to fight for it like we have for the past three and a half years,” said Trustee Kiana Belcher.

Henyard’s attorney Beau Brindley issued a statement Friday saying, “This is not a legitimate meeting. It is an unauthorized attempt by four trustees to circumvent the law and illegally usurp the mayor’s power. We will not participate in such an illegal and unauthorized meeting. The mayor will hold a press conference in the next few days where we will directly address the illegal actions of these trustees and the consequences that follow.”