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Board debates how to fill vacant seat; tables decision to Oct. 29 and asks for election cost estimate
Summary
With a seat open after Melania Tian moved out of the city, the board discussed four ways to fill it — appointment, offer to the third highest vote‑getter, special election, or leaving it vacant — and decided to table a decision to Oct. 29 while staff prepares a cost estimate for a special election.
Board members discussed how to fill a vacant seat created when, as the board announced, Melania Tian vacated her position after relocating outside the city for family reasons.
The board outlined four options: appoint a qualified resident to serve until the next regular election; offer the seat to the third‑highest vote‑getter from the most recent election; call a special election; or leave the seat vacant until the next regular election (per small city district rules).
Board members expressed differing views. One member — speaking from prior experience — said leaving the seat vacant until the May election gives the community a chance to express interest and runs a “level playing field” for prospective candidates. Other members argued the board should either appoint the third‑highest vote‑getter or solicit qualified resident applications so the board has a full complement of members for votes and to reduce the risk of a 3‑3 split on contentious matters.
Several members also raised the practical cost and timing of a special election: district staff explained an off‑cycle special election requires staffing (poll workers and machine technicians), machine balancing and ballot preparation, and could cost the district “quite a bit” and take a couple of months; the district’s regular polling equipment would not be available in early November because of the general election.
After discussion, the board agreed to table the decision until its Oct. 29 meeting and asked district staff (Michelle and election office staff) to provide a cost estimate and timing details for a special election so members can revisit the options.
