Selma Mayor Darrio Melton sent two memorandums and an executive order to the City Council on Thursday, hours before its work session meeting at City Hall.

Council President Corey Bowie issued a statement after the meeting. All council members, except Michael Johnson, were present. They reacted to Melton’s actions, with some calling it childish and petty.

“At this point in time, the city council is in a gridlock with the Mayor’s office,” Bowie said.  “Until we can sit down and have a candid conversation, this will be a constant battle. It’s unproductive for city hall and the city of Selma.”

The first email was an executive order addressed to Bowie that assigned Council Administrative Assistant Temekia Sykes under direct supervision of the Mayor’s office.

“Effective immediately, Ms. Sykes is not authorized to work outside the mayor’s supervision during the performance of day to day duties that may be requested by city council,” Melton wrote.

Council members believe Melton’s actions are the result of the Aug. 28 city council meeting, when he fired Sykes. The council voted to reinstate Sykes, who wound up serving a two-day suspension.

“I hope we don’t lose our administrative assistant because of something that is petty and retaliatory,” Councilwoman Angela Benjamin said.

In the second letter, Melton also excused himself from attending any future council budget hearings.

“I have done my statutory duties,” Melton wrote. “I have met with all departments given the council all of the needs of the various departments and establish a reserve for the city of Selma in my proposed budget.

“Any requests you have for the finance department as it pertains to budgeting, please put it in writing to the mayor’s office, and I will make sure that you receive the requested information,” he wrote.

Councilman Sam Randolph said Melton doesn’t respect the council.

“The Mayor doesn’t take us seriously,” Randolph said. “He takes us as a joke. He’s gotten out of control.”

The regular city council meeting will be held on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at city hall.