Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ward Vacancy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Owasso council schedules vote on ward vacancy for Nov. 4 after reviewing five applicants
Summary
Councilmembers reviewed five letters of interest to fill a vacant ward seat and agreed to place an item on next week's agenda to continue consideration until Nov. 4, when the full council expects to vote. The appointee would be sworn in immediately and serve until May 5, 2026, or until an elected ward councilor is sworn.
The Owasso City Council discussed five letters of interest for a vacant ward seat and agreed to place an item on next week's agenda to continue consideration until Nov. 4, when the council intends to vote on an appointment. Mayor Alvin Frigier said the council anticipates action to fill the vacancy no later than Oct. 21 but that the schedule might change; he noted that "upon appointment by the council, the person selected shall immediately be administered the oath of office and seated as a member of the city council." (Mayor Alvin Frigier)
Councilmembers said all five applicants appeared "credible and qualified," and several members highlighted two applicants by name. Councilor Chad Balthrop said Bernie Driscoll's engagement with local organizations and civic experience "stood up to me" as a useful background for council work. Multiple councilmembers also noted the request from Mrs. Dunn to fulfill the remainder of her late husband Lyndall Dunn's term; one member said her family's years of community involvement provide a familiarity with council processes that could be helpful during the busy spring budget and contract season.
Staff clarified the timing and next steps: council must take some form of action at the Oct. 21 meeting (appoint or set a future date). Because the mayor indicated he will not be present next week, staff and council agreed to place a continuance on the agenda to carry the item to Nov. 4, at which meeting the council expects to vote on an appointment. The appointee would serve the remainder of the vacated term, which expires May 5, 2026, or until an elected ward councilor is sworn into office.
Council members emphasized that anyone who submitted a letter of interest remains free to file to run in December for the February election; staff noted the filing period will open in December and the election will be held in February. No formal appointment was made at the meeting; the council's decision was to schedule further consideration.
What happens next: the mayor asked staff to place an agenda item next week to continue consideration to Nov. 4. On Nov. 4 the council intends to vote; if an appointment is made, the new member would be sworn in immediately and seated for council business.
