The city of Johnstown has filed charges against its own solicitor for code violations from a building he owns.

The dispute was the topic of a heated debate at Wednesday night's City Council meeting. At one point, Councilwoman Ann Wilson called for Solicitor Joseph Green's resignation.

The motion was not supported by the majority of the council, nor was a proposal to have Green remove himself from any legal action involving code enforcement.

Councilman Jack Williams called the situation "unfortunate."

"I think it sends the wrong signal to the community: that you've got to live by the laws of our city, but our city solicitor doesn't," Williams said.

Green told the council that the building in question will be sold soon and that an option to purchase it has been signed by potential new owners.