At their meeting Monday night, commissioners also agreed to draft a code of conduct, hoping to apply it to commissioners and anyone elected or appointed to county boards.

Lee Clement Piper, 44, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor following a New Year’s Eve party at her home at 302 S. Ellis St. The citation from Salisbury Police specified that Piper allowed “numerous” teen-agers, as young as 15, to drink malt beverages at her home.

During the Monday evening session, Commissioner Arnold Chamberlain asked Piper to step aside from the Social Services board until the charge is resolved.

If Piper is convicted, she should immediately resign, Chamberlain said. If she does not, Chamberlain said he will ask commissioners to send a resolution to Gov. Jim Hunt, asking for her removal.

“I greatly suggest she step aside,” said Chamberlain. “This bothers me.”

Reached this morning at her home, Piper said she has no comment.

Hunt appointed Piper, who has served as chairman of the board.

Her initial court date was set for Jan. 19. She is now scheduled to appear in Rowan District Court on March 15.

Chamberlain acknowledged that he had “toned down” his remarks on the issue but chastised his fellow commissioners. “You all are tip-toeing real easy …”

During a retreat at Pinehurst last week, Chamberlain said giving alcohol to minors is child abuse.

“My passion is children, anybody does anything detrimental to children, it gets my attention,” said Chamberlain.

Chamberlain said he has heard that some families in Salisbury believe it is better for children to drink at home than to go elsewhere and do so. “It is against the law, they are assuming a tremendous liability,” he said.

Chairman Newton Cohen said he will support a call for her resignation if she is convicted.Commissioners Dave Rowland and Frank Tadlock agreed. All three agreed that Piper should take a leave of absence until the issue is resolved.

Vice Chairman Steve Blount remained silent on the issue. At the retreat, Blount cautioned against crucifying her in public before her court date.

Blount joined with the other commissioners in asking County Attorney John Holshouser to draw up a code of conduct.

Holshouser said the Institute of Government has a suggested code.

Commissioners asked him to also consult with Mecklenburg County, which is in the process of drawing up a similar code.