Cotati council opts to fill vacant seat by appointment; sets application window and special meeting

After Councilmember Kathleen Rivers’ resignation created a vacancy, the Cotati City Council voted to fill the open seat by appointment, citing timing and cost considerations.

City Manager Damien (Obid) briefed the council on the legal options under California Government Code §36512(b): the council may either call a special election or appoint a replacement. He told the council the earliest feasible special-election date would be in late summer and that a special election would likely cost the city tens of thousands of dollars. The council discussed trade-offs including the expense to the city and the time a seat would remain vacant under a special election timeline.

Councilmembers expressed concern about leaving the seat vacant during upcoming strategic planning and budget work. Several members said the city’s ability to conduct timely business would be hampered if the seat remained empty for months. On that basis the council directed staff to open an application period beginning Jan. 30 and closing Feb. 13 and scheduled a special meeting on Feb. 18 to hold interviews and make an appointment to fill the unexpired term.

The council recorded the motion to appoint and the scheduling direction as carried unanimously among members present. Staff said it will publish vacancy materials and accept applications, and that the appointed person would assume the seat after the council’s selection at the special meeting.

Discussion vs. decision - Discussion: council members weighed the administrative cost of a special election, the practical impact of a prolonged vacancy on quorum and routine business, and the desire to allow adequate time for applicants to prepare. - Direction: open application Jan. 30–Feb. 13 and hold a special meeting Feb. 18 for interviews and appointment. - Decision: pursue appointment rather than special election.