CEC District 28 discusses absentee rules and potential vacancy for absent member

CEC District 28 reviewed pending absentee forms and the process for opening a vacancy when an elected or appointed member does not meet attendance or documentation requirements.

Administrative staff and the council’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) representative, Maribel, told members that, according to the law cited at the meeting, new members must file their oath of office within 30 days of being elected. Staff said an email would be sent to the absent member (Elena) asking her to comply; if she does not respond or complete the oath process, staff advised the council it would be appropriate to advertise the vacancy for the seat.

Separately, members moved to approve an excused absence for Annie Coke for July because she is out of the country; that motion was seconded and approved. The council also approved remote (virtual) attendance for a member who could not attend in person due to injury; the meeting record shows the council accepted that virtual attendance for July.

What the council decided: staff will send written notice to the absent member and the council will proceed to advertise the vacancy if the required oath or contact is not completed; the council approved the recorded absences and virtual attendance where indicated. What the council did not do: declare a vacancy immediately — staff will follow up and allow the member an opportunity to submit the required paperwork before the vacancy is advertised.

Members noted that the absence form should be used for any future missed meetings and that up to three unexcused absences without proper documentation can trigger further action under the council’s procedures.