Commissioner Oderman to step down; city outlines appointment and special-election options

At the end of the April 15 meeting Commissioner John Oderman announced he will step down from the Dickinson City Commission to accept a position as state director for "Congresswoman Julie Fedorchek." Oderman said the new role will require travel across the state and he expects this will be his final meeting.

Commission President and city staff thanked Oderman for his service. City staff then explained the vacancy process under North Dakota Century Code. City Administrator Dassinger and city attorney staff said the commission may either call a special election to fill the unexpired term or, after 15 days from the vacancy date, appoint a person to serve until the next city election. Staff said historical practice in similar prior vacancies has been to appoint a replacement; the statute also allows a special election to be triggered by a petition signed by 5% of qualified electors.

City attorney and administrative staff said they would prepare guidance and public notice regarding next steps and the 15-day timetable. Staff noted that an appointment, if chosen, would fill the unexpired term (the seat would be up for election at its scheduled time); staff said they would publish information to the public the following day.

Commissioners thanked Oderman for his service and wished him well. Several commissioners and staff praised his contributions and noted the likely timeline for appointing a successor.

No formal appointment or special election was decided at the meeting; staff said they would return with the formal steps required by statute and begin public outreach.