Council rejects immediate appointment of Carrie Penaloza to District 2 seat

Council member Sheehan moved Jan. 6 to appoint Carrie Penaloza to the vacant District 2 seat on the Centennial City Council, arguing Penaloza’s prior four years of council service and familiarity with city staff would provide continuity during a period of turnover. The motion was seconded; the clerk recorded the vote as 2 ayes and 6 noes, and the motion failed.

Sheehan told the council Penaloza “ran a strong campaign” in the recent election and “already knows the processes” and would be “ready on day 1,” noting that bringing in a former councilor would reduce onboarding time and expense. Sheehan said appointing an experienced successor would maintain institutional knowledge as the council absorbs several new members.

Mayor Sweetland had earlier outlined the formal process the council will use to fill the District 2 vacancy: an application period opening within days, applications due Jan. 30 at 5:00 p.m., interviews during the week of Feb. 9, and a screening panel of two council members and two staff members if more than five applicants apply. Applicants must reside in District 2, the mayor said, and a candidate meeting will be scheduled once finalists are selected.

The clerk’s announcement of the roll-call tally was garbled in the transcript when listing which members voted which way; the recorded numeric tally in the meeting record was two ayes and six noes. The council did not adopt the appointment and will proceed with the advertised application process.

Next steps: the city will accept District 2 applications through Jan. 30 at 5:00 p.m., hold interviews in the week of Feb. 9 and announce finalists for a candidate meeting before any appointment is made.