ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A former St. Louis mayor is working to help smooth race relations in the city.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Vince Schoemehl, who left office in 1993, brought together civic, business and political leaders for private talks over the weekend.

The talks come as opponents of the current mayor, Francis Slay, are trying to gather enough signatures for a recall vote. Some black leaders are also seeking an economic boycott.

Last year, Slay drew the ire of some in the black community with the firing of Fire Chief Sherman George, who is black.

Tension worsened when a stuffed monkey was found hanging in a city fire house. The FBI determined the action was not a hate crime.

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Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com