Port Moody city council is reportedly holding an emergency meeting this afternoon.

The 3 p.m. meeting was called in connection with news that mayor Rob Vagramov has been charged with sexual assault.

According to former four-term mayor Joe Trasolini, it’s up for council to determine the next steps in dealing with the situation.

For Trasolini, the turn of events regarding Vagramov is not good for Port Moody.

“I do feel that it is wrong headlines for the city of Port Moody,” Trasolini told the Georgia Straight by phone Thursday (March 28). “The residents of Port Moody are very proud of their city.”

Trasolini was asked if Vagramov should step aside until the case is resolved.

“It’s really up to him,” Trasolini said.

The former mayor also said that council could play a role in a decision on whether or not the mayor should step down.

“It’s not just one person as the mayor of the city; there is a council and the council, of course it’s a team, and as a team, they need to dialogue with each other, and see what is the best for the city,” Trasolini said.

Vagramov is scheduled to appear in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on April 25.

The B.C. Prosecution Service has announced that special prosecutor and Vancouver lawyer Michael Klein has approved a single charge of sexual assault against Vagramov.

The case is in connection with an alleged offence that occurred in Coquitlam in 2015.

Trasolini said that he knows Vagramov, who was elected mayor last year.

“I can only imagine, you know, what he is going through because of this very public event,” Trasolini said.

According to the former mayor, Vagramov has a “responsibility to himself”.

“He has the right to defend himself, and he is innocent until proven guilty,” Trasolini said.