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Council adopts resolution setting timeline and process to appoint at‑large council member; public callers urge conflict policy and transparency
Summary
The council adopted a resolution establishing nomination and appointment steps for a vacated at‑large seat: nominations attached to the Dec. 5 agenda, an appointment at the Dec. 9 meeting, public input after nominees speak, and voting until a majority is reached. Public speakers asked that sitting candidates not be eligible and that the public be notified of nominees.
The Sioux Falls City Council approved a resolution that lays out a timetable and procedure for filling a forthcoming at‑large council vacancy that will occur on Dec. 3, 2025. Under the resolution explained by Jim David of the City Council Office, nominations must be attached to the agenda when it is released on Friday, Dec. 5; the appointment would take place at the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Each nominee must be nominated and seconded by a council member, will have an opportunity to address the council, and public input will follow. Voting will proceed by name until a nominee receives a majority.
Jim David said the resolution is modeled on the City Council Leadership Ordinance (section 30.008) to provide consistent guidance because city ordinance, charter and state law are silent on the specific appointment process. He also said that if the council wanted to reject a resignation, staff could draft an alternative resolution to do that.
Two members of the public addressed the council on the item. Vince Don, who identified himself as a current candidate for the seat, urged the council to consider conflict‑of‑interest rules and said, "I don't think I should be a nominee, for example, because I am a candidate for this seat." Another commenter, identified as Sierra Sioux Falls, asked that the city notify the public about the process and nominees so there would not be confusion about expectations for appointed candidates.
Councilors approved the resolution by a 7‑0 roll call vote. The council’s next steps are to post nominations with the Dec. 5 agenda and proceed with the appointment process at the Dec. 9 meeting as described in the resolution.
