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Agenda Item: 15 (a) |
Prepared By: Joan Taylor, City Clerk |
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Business: City Council Item |
Department: Executive |
Subject:
Title
Appointment of City Council Vacancy - Joan Taylor, City Clerk
Body
BACKGROUND:
On April 21, 2026, a vacancy on the City Council occurred due to the passing of Councilor Erik Brechnitz.
Based on Article III, Section 3.05.3.b of the City Charter, the procedure for filling a Council vacancy is as follows:
“If the remainder of the unexpired term is 28 months or less, the remaining Council Members shall, within sixty (60) days following the occurrence of such vacancy, by majority vote of the council members, appoint a person to fill the vacancy for the remainder for the unexpired term.”
Accordingly, the City Council is required to appoint a replacement member within sixty (60) days of a vacancy, which must occur no later than June 20, 2026.
Council directed the City Clerk to open a Candidate application period from May 5, 2026 until 8:30 a.m. on May 11, 2026. The City Clerk has compiled eligible candidates for Council’s consideration.
To be eligible for appointment, a candidate must:
1. Be a qualified elector of the city; and
2. Have been a resident of the City for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment; and
3. Not have served on the City Council for more than eight years during their lifetime.
Process for appointment:
At the May 4, 2026 City Council meeting, Council members unanimously agreed on the following approach: 1. Council members will motion for the appointee from the pool of candidates who applied for the position; 2. a majority vote shall determine the next appointed Councilor. If there is a tie, that motion fails and another motion is made.
The newly appointed member shall be sworn in upon appointment, the May 18, 2026 City Council meeting.
The newly appointed member will complete Councilor Brechnitz’s term, which is November 2026.
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT: N / A
RECOMMENDATION: Appoint a candidate to fill the vacant seat on the City Council.
POTENTIAL MOTION: “I move to appoint _____________ to fill the vacant City Council seat.”