Court Opinion

ID: 9910064
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-12-14 19:07:25.516969+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:50:40.916771
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State ex rel. Martin v. Shabazz, 2023-Ohio-4533.]

                               COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO

                              EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                                 COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA

STATE EX REL., NATHANIEL
MARTIN, ET AL.,                                         :

                 Relators,                              :
                                                                No. 112477
                 v.                                     :

LATEEK SHABAZZ, ET AL.,                                 :

                 Respondents.                           :

                                JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION

                 JUDGMENT: WRITS DENIED
                 DATED: December 12, 2023

                             Writs of Quo Warranto and Mandamus
                                       Motion No. 565771
                                       Order No. 569599

                                             Appearances:

                 Mark McClain, pro se.

                 Law Office of Charles Tyler, Sr., and Charles Tyler, Sr., for
                 relator Nathaniel Martin.

                 Kenneth D. Myers, for respondents.

FRANK DANIEL CELEBREZZE, III, P.J.:

                   The relators, Nathaniel Martin (“Martin”) and Mark McClain

(“McClain”), have filed a complaint for a writ of quo warranto and a writ of
mandamus. Martin argues that he was unlawfully expelled from his position as the

East Cleveland Council President by respondent Korean Stevenson (“Stevenson”),

respondent Dr. Patricia Blochowiak (“Blochowiak”), and respondent Juanita Gowdy

(“Gowdy”), unlawfully removed from his position as Councilor-at-Large by

councilpersons and unlawfully replaced by respondent Anton Billings (“Billings”).

McClain argues that he was lawfully appointed to the East Cleveland Council, Ward

3 Councilperson, by Martin, and thus respondent Lateek Shabazz (“Shabazz”) was

unlawfully appointed to the Ward 3 Councilperson position by the respondents.

Martin and McClain also seek a writ of mandamus in order to compel the payment

of the salaries appurtenant to the position of councilperson. The respondents have

filed a joint motion for summary judgment that is granted for the following reasons.

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

               The facts pertinent to this original action are gleaned from the

complaint for writs of quo warranto and mandamus with attached affidavits and

exhibits, the respondents’ joint motion for summary judgment with attached

affidavits and exhibits, relators’ joint brief in opposition to the respondents’ motion

for summary judgment with attached affidavits and exhibits, the respondents reply

to the relators’ response to the respondents’ motion for summary, McClain’s

separate response to the respondents’ motion for summary judgment with attached

exhibits and affidavits, and the respondents’ reply to McLain’s response to the

respondents’ motion for summary judgment.
              On November 8, 2022, East Cleveland Ward 3 Councilperson, Ernest

Smith, was recalled by the voters of the city of East Cleveland. On November 29,

2022, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections certified the recall of Ernest Smith

as East Cleveland Ward 3 Councilperson; the certification triggered a 30-day period

for East Cleveland Council to appoint a person to fill the empty council seat as

permitted by Section 100 of the East Cleveland Charter. Noticed interviews for the

Ward 3 Councilperson open position were held on December 19, 2022, at the East

Cleveland Public Library; present at the interviews were the respondents, Martin,

and the East Cleveland Law Director, Willa Hemmons.              On December 20,

2022, a noticed East Cleveland Council special meeting was held, at which time

Shabazz was selected to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat that resulted from the recall

election of November 8, 2022; the oath of office was administered to Shabazz by

Blochowiak. East Cleveland Council met once again, on December 27, 2022, and

voted to select Shabazz as the replacement for the vacant Ward 3 seat of the East

Cleveland Council.

              On December 27, 2022, the East Cleveland Council, pursuant to Rule

23(B) of Chapter 113 of the East Cleveland Codified Ordinances, elected Stevenson

as president of the East Cleveland Council, thus replacing Martin as president of the

East Cleveland Council. Martin, on December 29, 2022, attempted to appoint and

swear in Jacqueline Goodrum as the Ward 3 Councilperson replacement for recalled

Ernest Smith. Martin, on December 30, 2022, attempted to appoint and swear in

McClain as the Ward 3 Councilperson replacement for recalled Ernest Smith. East
Cleveland Council, on January 3, 2023, voted once again to elect Stevenson as

president of East Cleveland Council. On January 17, 2023, East Cleveland Council

provided notice to Martin of the allegations of “malfeasance” based upon improper

conduct while serving as a councilperson that included (1) misuse of an East

Cleveland Council postage machine used to mail campaign literature for his election

campaign, (2) acceptance of gift bags from a local business owner that were then

distributed to city residents as part of his election campaign, (3) failure to report in-

kind donation on campaign finance report, (4) without the approval of East

Cleveland Council, signed a letter supporting a local business owner’s purchase of

real property from Cuyahoga County, and (5) continuing to hold himself out, in

public documents, as president of East Cleveland Council after removal from the

position as president of East Cleveland Council.           On January 19, 2023, an

investigative committee was empaneled to investigate the allegations made against

Martin. On January 30, 2023, a second packet of documents that evidenced

malfeasance was delivered to Martin.         On February 14, 2023, allegations of

malfeasance against Martin were heard by the East Cleveland Council, and by a vote

of 4-0, Martin was expelled from the East Cleveland Council.

               On March 8, 2023, Martin and McClain filed their complaint for quo

warranto and mandamus. On March 14, 2023, East Cleveland Council appointed

Billings to replace Martin as councilperson. On April 3, 2023, the respondents filed

a joint Civ.R. 12(B)(6) motion to dismiss the complaint for quo warranto and

mandamus. On April 3, 2023, Martin and McClain filed a joint response to the
motion to dismiss. On May 9, 2023, McClain filed a notice that he was proceeding

pro se and was no longer represented by counsel. On May 11, 2023, the respondents

filed a joint answer to the complaint for quo warranto and mandamus. On May 23,

2023, Martin filed a supplemental brief in opposition to the respondents’ joint

motion to dismiss. On June 14, 2023, the respondents’ joint motion to dismiss was

sua sponte converted into a Civ.R. 56(C) motion for summary judgment. On July 5,

2023, the respondents filed a joint Civ.R. 56(C) motion for summary judgment. On

July 18, 2023, Martin filed a brief in opposition to the respondents’ joint Civ.R. 56(C)

motion for summary judgment. On July 28, 2023, the respondents filed a joint reply

to Martin’s brief in opposition to the Civ.R. 56(C) motion for summary judgment.

On August 22, 2023, McClain filed a brief in opposition to the respondents’ joint

Civ.R. 56(C) motion for summary judgment. On August 30, 2023, the respondents

filed a joint reply to McClain’s brief in opposition to the respondents’ Civ.R. 56(C)

motions for summary judgment.

II. LEGAL ANALYSIS

A. Civ.R. 56(C) Motion for Summary Judgment Standard

               Civ.R. 56(C) provides that

      [t]he motion together with all affidavits and other materials in support
      shall be served in accordance with Civ.R. 5. Responsive arguments,
      together with all affidavits and other materials in opposition, and a
      movant’s reply arguments may be served as provided by Civ.R. 6(C).
      Summary judgment shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings,
      depositions, answers to interrogatories, written admissions, affidavits,
      transcripts of evidence, and written stipulations of fact, if any, timely
      filed in the action, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material
      fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of
      law. No evidence or stipulation may be considered except as stated in
      this rule. A summary judgment shall not be rendered unless it appears
      from the evidence or stipulation, and only from the evidence or
      stipulation, that reasonable minds can come to but one conclusion and
      that conclusion is adverse to the party against whom the motion for
      summary judgment is made, that party being entitled to have the
      evidence or stipulation construed most strongly in the party’s favor.
      * * *.

              Under Civ.R. 56(C), summary judgment is properly granted when (1)

there is no genuine issue as to any material fact; (2) the moving party is entitled to

judgment as a matter of law; and (3) reasonable minds can come to but one

conclusion, and that conclusion is adverse to the party against whom the motion for

summary judgment is made. Harless v. Willis Day Warehousing Co., 54 Ohio St.2d

64, 375 N.E.2d 46 (1978). Because the granting of summary judgment ends

litigation, courts should carefully award summary judgment only after resolving all

doubts in favor of the nonmoving party and finding that “reasonable minds can

reach only an adverse conclusion” against the nonmoving party.            Murphy v.

Reynoldsburg, 65 Ohio St.3d 356, 358-359, 604 N.E.2d 138 (1992).

              The burden of demonstrating that there exists no genuine issue as to

any material fact falls upon the moving party. Once the moving party has met its

burden, it is the nonmoving party’s obligation to present evidence on any issue for

which that party bears the burden of production at trial. Wing v. Anchor Media,

Ltd. of Texas, 59 Ohio St.3d 108, 570 N.E.2d 1095 (1991); Scheel v. Rock Ohio

Caesars Cleveland, L.L.C., 2018-Ohio-3568, 108 N.E.3d 1252 (8th Dist.). The

moving party is entitled to summary judgment if the nonmoving party fails to
establish the existence of an element essential to that party’s case and on which that

party will bear the burden of proof at trial. Brandon/Wiant Co. v. Teamor, 125 Ohio

App.3d 442, 708 N.E.2d 1024 (8th Dist.1998), citing Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477

U.S. 317, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986).

B. Standard for Granting Quo Warranto

               The Supreme Court of Ohio has firmly established that quo warranto

is the sole remedy that may be employed to challenge the right of any person to hold

a public office.

       Quo warranto is the exclusive remedy to litigate the right of a person to
       hold a public office. State ex rel. Deiter v. McGuire, 119 Ohio St.3d 384,
       2008-Ohio-4536, 894 N.E.2d 680, ¶ 20; see also, State ex rel. Ebbing
       v. Ricketts, 133 Ohio St.3d 339, 2012-Ohio-4699, 978 N.E.2d 188, ¶ 8,
       citing State ex rel. Johnson v. Richardson, 131 Ohio St.3d 120, 2012-
       Ohio-57, 961 N.E.2d 187, ¶ 15. In quo warranto, judgment may be
       rendered on the right of the defendant to hold the contested office and
       the right of the person alleged to be entitled to hold the office “or only
       upon the right of the defendant, as justice requires.” Deiter at ¶ 22.

State ex rel. Flanagan v. Lucas, 139 Ohio St.3d 559, 2014-Ohio-2588, 13 N.E.3d

1135, ¶ 12. See also State ex rel. Price v. Columbus, Delaware & Marion Elec. Co.,

104 Ohio St. 120, 135 N.E. 297 (1922); Sections 2 and 3 of Article IV of the

Constitution of Ohio.

               To be entitled to the writ of quo warranto, the relator must establish

that the office is being unlawfully held and exercised by respondent and that the

relator is entitled to the office. In other words, the relator must demonstrate not

only that he is entitled to the office, but also demonstrate that the claimed office is

unlawfully held and exercised by the respondent. State ex rel. Halak v. Cebula, 49
Ohio St.2d 291, 361 N.E.2d 244 (1977); State ex rel. Smith v. Nazor, 135 Ohio St.

364, 21 N.E.2d 124 (1939); State ex rel. Lindley v. Maccabees, 109 Ohio St. 454, 142

N.E. 888 (1924); State ex rel. Heer v. Butterfield, 92 Ohio St. 428, 111 N.E. 279

(1915).

1. Martin’s Claim for Quo Warranto

               Martin’s complaint for quo warranto is basically premised upon the

allegations that he was improperly removed as president of Council and removed

from office as a councilperson. Specifically, Martin argues (1) the respondents, when

acting in their official capacity as councilpersons, failed to comply with R.C. 121.22,

the Ohio Open Meetings Act (“OMA”); (2) the respondents improperly removed him

as president of East Cleveland Council; and (3) the respondents improperly removed

him as a councilperson and replaced him with Billings. McClain argues that he was

properly appointed to fill the vacated position of Ward 3 Councilperson, formerly

held by Ernest Smith.

2. Compliance with R.C. 121.22 and East Cleveland Charter

               Martin alleges that certain actions of respondents were not made in

conformity with the OMA and Section 103.01 of the East Cleveland Charter, to wit:

utilizing council meetings for interviews to replace vacant councilperson positions,

the reorganization of council to remove him as president of council, the removal of

him as a councilperson, and the appointments of Shabazz and Billings

               Martin bears the ultimate burden of proving that respondents, as a

public body, have violated any public notice requirement. State ex rel. Hardin v.
Clermont Cty. Bd. of Elections, 2012-Ohio-2569, 972 N.E.2d 115 (12th Dist.).The

party alleging a violation of the OMA has the burden to prove, by a preponderance

of the evidence, that the OMA was violated. Once the violation is established, the

burden shifts to the public body to show that the OMA was not violated. Id. at ¶ 25.

If it does so, the burden shifts once again to the party that claims a violation of the

OMA. Id.; Ames v. Rootstown Twp. Bd. of Trustees, 2019-Ohio-5412, 151 N.E.3d

37 (11th Dist.)

                  Herein, the affidavits, exhibits, and other documents submitted to

this court demonstrate that meeting notices with regard to council meetings for

interviews to replace vacant councilperson positions, the reorganization of council

to remove relator Martin as president of counsel, the removal of Martin as a

councilperson, and the appointments of Shabazz and Billings were made in

conformity with the OMA and Section 103.01 of the East Cleveland Charter. Martin

has failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that any public notice

meeting requirements were violated.

3. Council Appoints Shabazz to Replace Recalled Ernest Smith on East
Cleveland Council

                  On November 29, 2022, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections

certified the recall of Ernest Smith that triggered a 30-day period in which East

Cleveland Council was permitted to fill the vacant position of councilperson. Section

100 of the East Cleveland Charter provides that

      [w]hen the office of a member of Council shall become vacant, the
      vacancy shall be filled by election for the unexpired term by a majority
      vote of all the remaining members of the Council. If the Council fails
      within 30 days to fill such a vacancy, the President of Council shall fill
      it by appointment.

                On December 20, 2023, a special meeting was held in order to

appoint a replacement for recalled councilperson Ernest Smith. The record clearly

demonstrates that a majority of the remaining members of the East Cleveland

Council, Stevenson, Gowdy, and Blochowiak, appointed Shabazz to fill the vacant

Ward 3 position of councilperson. See exhibit No. A-4 of relators’ motion for

summary judgment; minutes of special meeting to fill Ward 3 vacancy held on

December 20, 2022. Out of an abundance of caution, a majority of the East

Cleveland Council, on December 27, 2022, once again voted to select Shabazz as the

replacement for recalled councilperson Ernest Smith. See exhibit Nos. A-5 and A-6

of respondents’ motion for summary judgment; minutes of special meeting to fill

Ward 3 vacancy held on December 20, 2022. The majority of East Cleveland

Council, pursuant to Section 100 of the East Cleveland Charter, lawfully filled the

vacant position of Ward 3 councilperson by appointing Shabazz within 30 days of

the November 29, 2022, certification of the recall of Ernest Smith. Consequently,

quo warranto does not lie to remove Shabazz from the position of East Cleveland

Ward 3 councilperson. State ex rel. Deiter v. McQuire, 119 Ohio St.3d 384, 2008-

Ohio-4536, 894 N.E.2dd 680; State ex rel. Branch v. Pitts, 2018-Ohio-1184, 110

N.E.3d 87 (8th Dist.).
4. McClain’s Claim for Quo Warranto

                McClain argues that he is entitled to fill the position of Ward 3

councilperson. However, as previously discussed, Shabazz was properly appointed

to fill the vacant Ward 3 Councilperson position. McClain has failed to demonstrate

that he is entitled to the office of Ward 3 Councilperson and has also failed to

demonstrate that the claimed office of Ward 3 Councilperson is unlawfully held and

exercised by Shabazz. State ex rel. Zeigler v. Zumbar, 129 Ohio St.3d 240, 2011-

Ohio-2939, 951 N.E. 2d 405; Deiter.

5. Removal of Martin as President of East Cleveland Council

              Pursuant to Rule 23(B) of the East Cleveland Codified Ordinances,

Section 113, the reorganization of Council positions could occur at any time based

upon a quorum vote of three-fifths of Council members:

      The organization, reorganization and the filling of vacancies of the
      Council offices of President and Vice President shall be in accordance
      with the following provisions.

      (a) Organization. The organization of Council shall be as prescribed by
      § 102 of the Charter of the city.

      (b) Reorganization. The reorganization of Council may occur at any
      time, by motion, upon the vote of three-fifths of the members of
      Council.

      (c) Vacancy. When a vacancy occurs in the office of President or Vice
      President, it shall be filled, by motion, by the vote of three-fifths of the
      members of Council. In addition, when a governing body possesses the
      power to choose its own presiding officer from its own members, the
      office is held at will, and the governing body possesses the inherent
      authority to remove the presiding officer at any time.
              The affidavits, exhibits, and other documents attached to

respondents’ joint motion for summary judgment clearly demonstrate that the

lawful reorganization of Council occurred pursuant to Rule 23 and a three-fifths vote

of Council on December 27, 2022. Martin was lawfully removed from the office of

president of East Cleveland Council. State ex rel. Branch v. Pitts, supra; Smith v.

Walcott, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 57426, 1990 Ohio App. LEXIS 3665 (Aug. 23,

1990). Martin was properly removed from the office of president of Council.

6. Removal of Martin as Councilperson via Malfeasance

              Section 99 of the East Cleveland Charter provides that any member

of the East Cleveland Council can be removed from office for gross misconduct,

malfeasance, disqualification for office, or conviction of a crime of moral turpitude:

      Each member of the Council, for at least one year immediately prior to
      his or her election shall have been, and during the term of office shall
      continue to be, a resident of the City of East Cleveland, Ohio, and shall
      have the qualifications of an elector therein. No person shall be a
      member of Council who holds any employment with the City of East
      Cleveland, the East Cleveland Board of Education, or other
      incompatible public employment or holds other public office except
      that of notary public or member of the State Militia.

      Any member becoming guilty of gross misconduct or malfeasance in
      office, being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude while in
      office, or ceasing to possess the qualifications herein provided, shall
      thereby forfeit his office.

      The Council shall be the judge of the election and qualifications of its
      own members. It may expel any member for gross misconduct, or
      malfeasance in, or disqualification for office or for conviction of a crime
      involving moral turpitude while in office; provided, however, that such
      expulsion shall not take place without the concurrence of four members
      nor until the delinquent member shall have been notified of the charge
      against him and given an opportunity to be heard.
(Emphasis added.)

               In addition, East Cleveland Municipal Code, Section 111.02, allows for

East Cleveland Council to establish an investigatory committee to review the

conduct of any city official:

      (a) Upon a majority vote of members of Council, the President of
      Council is hereby directed to and shall appoint such committee or
      committees to perform and conduct any investigation into the conduct
      or operation of any city official or department of the city government.
      Upon the appointment of any such committee, the Council President
      shall notify Council through its Clerk, in writing, of the individual
      members appointed to such committee, the date that the investigation
      shall commence and the purpose for which such investigation shall be
      held.

      (b) The President of Council shall be the presiding officer of any
      committee undertaking any investigation within the city and Council
      shall appoint and provide the presiding officer with special legal
      counsel and the counsel so appointed shall advise the presiding officer
      and Council on any and all questions of law.

      (c) All proceedings before any such committee by the Council President
      shall be recorded and transcribed and the transcripts shall be dealt with
      in the manner determined by a majority of the committee with regard
      to the use or release of the evidence, testimony or information
      contained in the same.

      (d) The committee hearings shall be held in such manner and at such
      times as the presiding officer shall direct and shall be closed door
      hearings or public hearings as the presiding officer shall direct, based
      upon the subject matter to be under investigation or discussed by such
      committee.

      (e) For the purposes of securing witnesses, testimony, or evidence any
      such committee shall have the power and authority to issue subpoenas
      or attachments to compel the attendance of witnesses and/or produce
      any documents or evidence deemed necessary by such committee.

      (f) The committee shall endeavor to conclude any such investigation
      within 30 days from the date of its appointment and shall advise
      Council of any conclusions, findings, or recommendations in a written
      report to the entire Council.

              On January 17, 2023, East Cleveland Council provided notice to

Martin of the allegations of “malfeasance” based upon improper conduct, while

serving as a councilperson, that included (1) misuse of an East Cleveland Council

postage machine used to mail campaign literature for his election campaign, (2)

acceptance of gift bags from a local business owner that were then distributed to city

residents as part of his election campaign, (3) failure to report in-kind donations on

campaign finance reports, (4) without the approval of East Cleveland Council,

signed a letter supporting a local business owner’s purchase of real property from

Cuyahoga County, and (5) continuing to hold himself out, in public documents, as

president of East Cleveland Council after removal from his position as president of

East Cleveland Council. On January 19, 2023, an investigative committee was

empaneled to investigate the allegations made against Martin. On January 30,

2023, a second packet of documents that evidenced malfeasance was delivered to

Martin. On February 14, 2023, allegations of malfeasance against Martin were

heard by the East Cleveland Council, and by a vote of 4-0, Martin was expelled from

the East Cleveland Council.

              The procedure to remove a public officer is quasi-penal and must be

strictly construed, and the law does not, ordinarily, favor the removal of an elected

official from office. Zeigler v. Zumbar, supra; State ex rel. Corrigan v. Hensel, 2

Ohio St.2d 96, 206 N.E.2d 563 (1965); 2,867 Signers v. Mack, 66 Ohio App.2d 79,
419 N.E.2d 1108 (9th Dist.1979). The burden of proof, when considering the

removal of an elected official from office, is clear and convincing evidence. McMillen

v. Diehl, 128 Ohio St. 212, 190 N.E. 567 (1934); In re Removal of Kuehnle, 161 Ohio

App.3d 399, 2005-Ohio-2373, 830 N.E.2d 1173 (12th Dist.).

              Malfeasance is defined as doing an act that a person should not do

while in office. Nosse v. Kirtland, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2022-L-032, 2022-Ohio-4161;

In re Removal of Sites, 170 Ohio App.3d 272, 2006-Ohio-6996, 866 N.E.2d 1119

(4th Dist.). One act of malfeasance alone can be the basis for removal, and willful

action that results in the act of malfeasance is not required. In re Removal of

Kuehnle, supra.

              Herein, Martin was accused of malfeasance based upon five claims of

misconduct while serving as a councilperson: (1) misuse of East Cleveland Council

postage machine to mail campaign literature; (2) acceptance of gift bags from local

business owner and then distributed to city residents; (3) failure to report in-kind

donations on campaign finance report; (4) signed letter on behalf of council without

authority; and (5) continued to represent himself as president of East Clevland

Council after removal. On January 19, 2023, emails were sent to all councilpersons

regarding the investigation of Martin for malfeasance and an investigatory

committee was formed to scrutinize the alleged misconduct of Martin.

      TO: Councilor Lateek Shabazz Councilor Juanita Gowdy Councilor
      Nathaniel Martin Councilor Patricia Blochowiak Mansell Baker,
      Secretary

      FROM: KOREAN C. STEVENSON, PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL
      SUBJECT: INVESTIGATIVE TEAM DATE: January 19, 2023

      Now comes the President of Council Korean C. Stevenson as the lead
      investigator in the matter of malfeasance of Nathaniel Martin in
      Resolution (03 23). The time and date has been set for Councilor Matin
      to defend the accusations of malfeasance. The meeting shall convene
      on January 31, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. The investigative committee is
      requesting the materials given to Councilor Martin as discovery of the
      charges against him at the time of notice of the investigation into
      malfeasance. The council of his peers shall convene the meeting in city
      hall chambers and the investigation shall unfold as prescribed above.
      The lead investigator (Council President) has appointed Lateek
      Shabazz and Juanita Gowdy as the members of the investigation
      committee. The committees shall meet weekly to determine the
      validity if any and the depth of each of the charges. The committee is
      also open to investigate any other charges that may arise out of this
      investigation. Malfeasance is a charge that is extensive in its reach and
      includes: deceit, deception, duplicity, lying, falseness, falsity,
      falsehood, untruthfulness, fraud, fraudulence, sharp practice, cheating,
      chicanery, craft, cunning, trickery, artifice, artfulness, wiliness, guile,
      double-dealing,      underhandedness,        subterfuge,    skullduggery,
      treachery,      perfidy,     unfairness,       unjustness,      improbity,
      untrustworthiness, dishonor, and unscrupulousness. “Malfeasance” is
      an old-fashioned word meaning “evil-doing, specifically official
      misconduct on the part of one in public employment.” (Oxford English
      Diet. (2d Ed.).) A more modern term is “official misconduct.” Someone
      who commits malfeasance is called a “malfeasor”—a word so old that
      spell-check wants to correct it. If found guilty by a team of this peers
      Councilor Martin could have judgment of forfeiture of said office with
      all its emoluments entered thereon against him, creating thereby in
      said office a vacancy to be filled as prescribed by the laws of the city of
      East Cleveland. The investigative committee shall use all of its
      resources to come to a conclusion and dispose of this matter as
      prescribed by law. Meeting dates and times will be forthcoming in the
      next days. Please adhere to the committee investigative process
      wherein ALL information is CONFIDENTIAL and is not to be discussed
      outside of the investigative committee team.

              The official minutes of the East Cleveland council meeting, held on

1/17/23, demonstrate that Martin was apprised of the allegations of misfeasance.
      Councilor Blochowiak asked for a motion to waive the 24-hour rule.
      Lateek Shabazz seconded it. Blochowiak wanted to place on the
      agenda, a resolution charging Councilor Nathaniel Martin for
      misconduct and asking that a removal hearing be held for malfeasance
      in office. Councilor Blochowiak read the charges. Private attorney
      Willa Hemmons tried to interrupt with a point of order and claimed
      that the charges must be heard in executive session. Council President
      Stevenson told Hemmons she was wrong; and her opinion was not
      requested. Councilor Stevenson asked for discussion. Martin accused
      certain individuals of trying to mess with him over a year; and said none
      of the charges were true. He said the charges were political. Council
      President Stevenson assigned the legislation a temporary number. 03-
      23 a resolution charging Councilor Martin with gross misconduct.
      Stevenson, Gowdy, Blochowiak, Shabazz voted to place the resolution
      on the agenda. Martin said Shabazz was not an authorized member of
      Council; and challenged his vote. Council President Stevenson said the
      Board of Elections would rule on Shabazz’s legitimacy. A motion to
      place it on the agenda for Martin to be heard on January 31, 2023 at
      6:30 p.m. Martin. Yea. Blochowiak. Yea. Shabazz. Yea. Gowdy. Yea.
      Councilor Blochowiak provided copies of additional information,
      evidence, related to the charges. Martin offered an explanation of his
      conduct and said he’ll have his day in court.

              The minutes of the open East Cleveland Council meeting, held on

February 14, 2023, demonstrate that the East Cleveland Council determined that

Martin was removed from council because of misfeasance.

      Ord. 12-23 Ordinance to determine whether council will remove
      Councilman Martin for Gross Misconduct and Malfeasance in office.
      (Emergency) Martin was provided with the opportunity to be heard.
      Councilor Gowdy moved to adopt. Second by Blochowiak. Councilor
      Stevenson states that this isn’t an easy process and a difficult thing to
      do. Councilor Shabazz stated that Martin has caused many problems,
      and that’s why he’s voting the way he’s voting. Councilor Gowdy states
      Martin has been on council too long to not know the charter, and he
      was stealing out the office, and he’s also doing other things. Councilor
      Blochowiak states that she brought in a number of envelopes for
      Councilor Martin to look at on January 17. Blochowiak also stated that
      the council has copies of envelopes from the city that he used for his
      campaign that’s theft in office. He accepted donations that were not on
      his campaign finance report. Then he wrote a letter to support the
      owners of Nemo Liquor Store purchasing a building and acting if all
      council members agreed. He canceled meetings in order to keep us
      from voting to replace for Ward 3 council seat. Councilor Blochowiak
      says she still have; a bag she kept as evidence that Martin gave as
      campaign items with his city business card attached. Councilor
      Blochowiak says council gave Martin two opportunities to show to be
      heard and he chose not to show. Stevenson moves to adopt. Second by
      Blochowiak. Councilor Stevenson Yes. Councilor Blochowiak Yes
      Councilor Gowdy Yes Councilor Shabazz Yes Ord. 12-23 Passed as
      Emergency.

              Based upon the affidavits and the exhibits presented to this court, we

find that clear and convincing evidence was presented and reviewed by the East

Cleveland Council.    Martin was properly removed from the position of East

Cleveland councilperson pursuant to East Cleveland Municipal Code Section 111.02

and Section 99 of the East Cleveland Charter.

7. Appointment of Billings to East Cleveland Council

              Martin was removed from the office of councilperson on February 14,

2023. Within 30 days of Martin’s removal from office as a councilperson, the East

Cleveland Council filled the vacant position with Billings, as permitted under

Section 100 of the East Cleveland Charter. Because Martin was properly removed

from office, we find no issue with the appointment of Billings. Quo warranto does

not lie with regard to the appointment of Billings as a replacement for Martin.

B. Laches

              Laches contains four separate elements: (1) unreasonable delay or

lapse of time in asserting a right; (2) no excuse for the delay; (3) constructive or

actual knowledge of the wrong or injury; and (4) prejudice to the other party. State
ex rel. Citizens for Responsible Green Govt. v. Green, 155 Ohio St.3d 28, 2018-Ohio-

3489, 118 N.E.3d 236; State ex rel. Carrier v. Hilliard City Council, 144 Ohio St.3d

592, 2016-Ohio-155, 45 N.E.3d 1006. Herein, we find that an unreasonable delay or

lapse of time occurred between the time that relator Martin was removed from

office, on February 14, 2023, and the filing of the complaint for quo warranto, on

March 8, 2023. Because of the possible impact upon the makeup of council, and

the possible different outcomes of legislation voted on by council, the relators were

required to immediately prosecute their complaint for quo warranto. State ex rel.

Vickers v. Summit Cty. Council, 97 Ohio St.3d 204, 2002-Ohio-5583, 777 N.E.2d

830. Thus, we find that laches is applicable to the present claim for quo warranto.

C. Request for Mandamus, Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary
Injunction, and Permanent Injunction

              The relators’ request for mandamus, in order to compel the continued

payment of salaries and other benefits, is denied as moot. State ex rel. Davidson v.

Beathard, 165 Ohio St.3d 558, 2021-Ohio-3125, 180 N.E.3d 1105. In addition, if the

allegation of a complaint for a writ of mandamus demonstrates that the real object

sought is a prohibitory injunction and a declaratory judgment, the complaint does

not state a cause of action in mandamus and must be dismissed for lack of

jurisdiction. State ex rel. Gadell-Newton v. Husted, 153 Ohio St.3d 225, 2018-Ohio-

1854, 103 N.E.3d 809; State ex rel. Evans v. Blackwell, 111 Ohio St.3d 437, 2006-

Ohio-5439, 857 N.E.2d 88; State ex rel. Smith v. Indus. Comm., 139 Ohio St. 303,

39 N.E.2d 838 (1942).
III. CONCLUSION

                Accordingly, we grant the respondents’ joint motion for summary

judgment. Costs to Relators. The court directs the clerk of courts to serve all parties

with notice of this judgment and the date of entry upon the journal as required by

Civ.R. 58(B).

                Writs denied.

FRANK DANIEL CELEBREZZE, III, PRESIDING JUDGE

MARY EILEEN KILBANE, J., and
EILEEN T. GALLAGHER, J., CONCUR