Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor’s pick Julie Collins affirmed to fill Ward 4 seat; sworn in Dec. 17
Summary
The Bellevue mayor’s appointment of Julie Collins to the Ward 4 city council seat was affirmed after a 4‑to‑2 tally (including the mayor’s deciding vote). Collins took the oath of office and filled the remainder of the term through December 2026; she abstained from some votes later in the meeting citing not having had prior briefings.
The Bellevue mayor’s appointment of Julie Collins to the Ward 4 city council seat was affirmed Tuesday, Dec. 17, after the council vote reached the four affirmative votes required for an appropriations-related appointment.
The mayor introduced Collins as his selection for the two years remaining on the Ward 4 term and described her as a lifelong Bellevue resident with a career in title and escrow work. “I have decided to bring Julie Collins forward as my appointment,” the mayor said during his remarks. The mayor asked for council consent under the statutory appointment process described by city legal counsel.
Legal counsel Amy told the council the city follows Nebraska procedures for mayoral appointments with council consent and explained that the mayor may cast a vote in situations where a majority of elected members cannot otherwise be reached. Councilwoman Susan Welch moved to approve the appointment; Councilman Casey seconded the motion.
Council debate included several members thanking all applicants and explaining their preferences. Councilman Don Preister said he preferred a different applicant who, in Preister’s view, had planning and development experience and had recently run for the seat. Councilman Burns also said he supported that other candidate and announced he would vote no if Collins were put forward; he said he would support Collins if the council affirmed her. Several other council members said they believed Collins would be able to run for and win the next election and would provide continuity on the council.
The roll call initially showed three yes votes and two no votes. Under the statute cited by legal counsel, the mayor cast an affirmative vote, bringing the total to four yes votes; the mayor announced “Motion carries.” Collins was sworn in during the meeting and took the council seat. Judge Palm administered the oath of office.
The council then continued with the evening’s agenda. Collins abstained from several votes later in the meeting, consistent with her statement that she had not had the same briefings and background materials earlier council members had received.
