DENISON, Kan. (AP) — The mayor of a small town north of Topeka has resigned rather than face a voter recall.

Denison Mayor Audrey Oliverius submitted a letter of resignation on Monday.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports some residents had submitted a recall petition on May 12, alleging that Oliverius violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act by calling an executive session on March 10, during which a vote was taken to fill a vacant council seat.

Oliverius says in her resignation letter that some council members and several community residents did not want positive change in the town and rejected efforts to manage the city’s assets and enforce city ordinances fairly.

Council president Bruce Sweany will become the acting mayor.