Mayor Pro Tem Dana Sutherland notified city officials that she will resign from the Fraser City Council effective Aug. 14, 2025; the council voted to accept the resignation, appointed Council Member Patrick O'Dell as mayor pro tem and authorized staff to extend an invitation to Michael Carnegie to serve the remainder of Sutherland’s term.
City staff read an email from Dana Sutherland stating: "I resign my position of city council member, Mayor Pro Tem, effective 08/14/2025." The council moved to accept the resignation and then presented certificates of appreciation recognizing Sutherland’s service.
Council members praised Sutherland’s work and said they would miss her. Following acceptance, Council Member Shornack nominated Patrick O'Dell to serve as mayor pro tem; O'Dell accepted and the council approved the appointment by voice vote.
City Attorney Don Denault briefed council on vacancy-filling options under council rules. The existing council rule favors contacting the next-highest vote getter from the last election, but Denault said there is no statutory timetable and council discretion governs the process. With no applicable next-highest vote getter for this council vacancy, council voted to extend an invitation to Michael Carnegie to serve the remainder of Sutherland’s term; if he declines, council will reconvene to consider alternatives or an application process.
The council motion to invite Carnegie directs staff to contact him promptly; the council asked that the invitation be sent by Monday following the meeting. No appointment took effect at the meeting; the invitation is an administrative step pending Carnegie’s response.