Scotts Valley council appoints Greg Wimp to fill vacant seat

Scotts Valley — The Scotts Valley City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Greg Wimp to the council vacancy created by a recent resignation, following candidate remarks and public comment.

Council members heard three-minute remarks from eight qualified applicants, reviewed a staff summary of the appointment process and then accepted public comment. Staff told the council that nine applications were submitted, one was disqualified for residing outside the city limits and eight were eligible. Council members used a ranked-choice ballot procedure and decided their top choice in an initial round; a motion to appoint Wimp then passed unanimously.

The council’s staff representative explained the process before candidate remarks, saying the application closed on Sept. 24, that eight applicants were qualified and that a majority of sitting members is required to appoint a council member. “To select a new council member, you do need a majority vote,” staff said, noting that with one vacancy three of the four seated council members must vote in favor.

Candidate statements stressed a range of priorities. Greg Wimp, a 25-year resident and local business owner, said he has volunteered widely and emphasized community and economic recovery work. Mike Seller described experience leading public-agency projects and said he would focus on fiscal stability, affordable housing and infrastructure. Cassandra Flores cited disaster-response work and experience on the Latino Affairs Commission. Other candidates, including Alex Titus, John Lewis, Aranda Randouch and Chuck Maffia (participating remotely), described priorities ranging from emergency preparedness to housing and community engagement.

Dozens of residents came forward to endorse candidates. Supporters described Wimp as a longtime volunteer and community presence: “He shows up and helps,” one resident said during public comment. Several speakers backed Mike Seller and praised his work on safety and education partnerships. Youth and nonprofit representatives also addressed council on separate items during the meeting.

After public comment and internal discussion, the council members completed their ranked ballots. Mayor Tim announced that the council had a unanimous decision and congratulated Greg Wimp. A formal motion to appoint Wimp was made and seconded on the record; the council voted aye with no recorded opposition. The city clerk will coordinate with Wimp on whether he will be sworn in before the next meeting or at the next council meeting so he can take his seat.

Why it matters: The appointee will serve on multiple committees that often meet during daytime weekday hours; staff and council members reminded applicants and the public that committee service requires weekday availability. The new council member will also participate in upcoming deliberations that the council flagged as priorities, including the town center planning process and budget and infrastructure concerns.

Next steps: The city clerk will work with Wimp to schedule his swearing-in. Council members encouraged the other applicants and residents to remain involved through commission openings and an upcoming citizens academy.