Lincoln council rejects motion to reconsider three Board of Health reappointments, 2-5

Councilmember Tom Doudin moved on April 7 to reconsider the council’s recent reappointments of Stacy Bleicker, Catherine (Katie) Garcia and Tom Randich to the Lincoln–Lancaster County Board of Health, saying he wanted to correct an earlier vote. After extended discussion about the members’ qualifications and whether longer service during the COVID emergency justified turnover, the council voted against reconsideration, 2-5.

The motion to reconsider drew a lengthy reply from Councilmember Bowers, who summarized the appointees’ professional backgrounds and argued the three had served the community “admirably” and were qualified for the advisory role. Doudin said he had received constituent concerns and wanted to give other residents an opportunity to serve; he added, “I made a mistake. Okay. I’m trying to correct it.”

Councilmember Weber clarified procedures before the roll call, saying a “yes” vote would reopen the question. The roll call on whether to reconsider produced two yes votes and five no votes: Carlson — No; Schaub — No; Bowers — No; Studen — Yes; Beckius — Yes; Weber — No; Washington — No. The chair announced, “Motion lost. 2 to 5.”

Because the council voted not to reconsider, the original reappointments stand as previously recorded; no further action on these appointments was taken at the April 7 meeting.