The St. James got rowdy Thursday during a Selma City Council work session.

Council president Corey Bowie halted the meeting when a group of citizens began yelling about a settlement in the KTK mining lawsuit. The citizens were subsequently escorted out of the meeting.

During the public comment portion of the meeting local radio personality Sherrette Spicer began echoing the sentiments of activist Rose Sanders as she was speaking against the council’s decision to approve the settlement.

“When I found out they were going to give the land away, I said at least put restrictions in the deed,” Sanders said. “The restrictions said simple things like only letting them build so high. Once you give them the deed, they can do whatever they want.”

The approved settlement terms include giving a deed to the one-acre tract of land containing the monument in Old Live Oak Cemetery to Chapter 53 of the United Daughters of Confederacy. Other terms include allowing KTK Mining to replace the bronze bust of Forrest, but not allowing the original plans to construct a taller structure; installing cameras and lighting; making the circle handicap accessible; placing a cannon on a pedestal previously intended to raise the monument’s height and paying a total of $100,000 to KTK Mining for a violation of the company’s due process rights. The council approved the settlement in a 5-3 vote.

As Sanders finished her comments, some members of the audience began yelling again, asking for the council to resign. Bowie and Selma Mayor George Evans asked those who were yelling be removed.

Three law enforcement officers, including Selma Chief of Police William Riley, escorted the group out of the ballroom and Spicer grew louder.

“Resign or get impeached,” she said. “This is city property and I will not leave because I am a citizen.”

Bowie subsequently called a five-minute recess.

Those who were escorted from the meeting were not charged or arrested.