ELLIS, Kan — An Ellis Police Department officer was terminated and Police Chief Taft Yates was reprimanded during an Ellis City Council special meeting Wednesday night.

Mayor Lyle Johnston called five executive sessions, a total 75 minutes, for personnel matters of non-elected personnel to discuss performance and disciplinary matters.

Following the fifth executive session, in which City Attorney Olavee Raub, police chief Yates and Officer Jon Geiger were present, council members voted unanimously to ratify and adopt the immediate termination of Geiger.

Council members also voted unanimously to ratify the written reprimand of Chief Yates for placement in Yates’ personnel file.

Johnston said Thursday he “could not comment because of the need to protect the privacy of non-elected personnel.” Johnston also said Wednesday’s actions “conclude the matter.”

Geiger, a certified law enforcement officer from Colorado with four years experience, was approved for hire on Jan. 2 by Ellis Police Chief Taft Yates.

Following several executive sessions during the Sept. 2 regular meeting, city council members voted to suspend Geiger with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Johnston said that investigation was conducted by him and the Ellis city attorney.