GROVELAND, Fla. – The city of Groveland is moving closer to a measure that would expand the city council’s ability to remove an elected official from office.

At a meeting Monday night, council members will hear a second reading of a proposal to amend the city charter to allow the council to submit a complaint and hold a hearing process for a forfeiture of office.

Last week, the council approved the first reading of the charter amendment by a 3-2 vote.

The measure is being considered after Councilwoman Judith Fike was suspended in early July amid a social media controversy.

The incident kicked off during a city council meeting after Vice Mayor Barbara Gaines brought a batch of what appeared to be “hateful” and “racist” social media posts written by Fike.

For example, one of the posts revealed by Gaines apparently displayed an image of former President Ronald Reagan “babysitting” former President Barack Obama.

“Except that it is an ape, a baboon, a monkey, or whatever you want to call it,” she said.

Fike was returned to her position after her attorney filed a legal challenge to her removal.

A court order demanded that the councilwoman be given her seat back, as neither the city charter nor its ethics policy allowed for the suspension.

The ordinance would have to be approved by Groveland voters.

The city council is seeking to have the charter amendment appear on the Nov. 4 General Election ballot.

Monday’s meeting is set for 7 p.m.