Council opens expedited appointment process for District 2 vacancy

The City Council decided March 4 to pursue the appointment route to fill the District 2 council vacancy rather than place the seat on the November general-election ballot. City staff explained the legal options under state law: the council must either appoint a successor within 60 days of vacancy or call a special election.

City Attorney Mary Lerner reviewed legal limits and said no statute prescribes a required application procedure; council must act in open session. The manager and clerk advised council to advertise the vacancy and accept interest forms. The council directed staff to publish the vacancy and open an application period through Friday at 5 p.m., then hold a special meeting Monday evening to interview candidates and make an appointment.

Public commenters who live in District 2 urged a swift appointment, citing the long gap in representation if the council waits for the November ballot. Other speakers said an election would let district residents decide. Council members discussed trade-offs: cost of a special election, public notice timelines and transparency of the appointment process. The council motion to open an application window and call a special meeting passed on roll call.

City clerk staff will post the application and the application deadline, and staff will prepare a report and interview schedule for the Monday meeting. Appointed individuals would serve until the November 2026 election, when voters will elect the remaining term.