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Avondale council appoints Councilmember Nielsen as vice mayor amid charter clarification
Summary
The council unanimously appointed Councilmember Nielsen to fill the vice mayor vacancy; city counsel explained the charter directs selection in January for a two-year term but does not prescribe a selection method, leaving the council discretion for interim appointments.
Avondale's City Council unanimously appointed Councilmember Nielsen as vice mayor on Oct. 21 after the mayor nominated him and Councilmember Garcia seconded the nomination.
Mayor Pineda said he nominated Nielsen citing seniority, experience and community service; councilmembers who spoke in favor described Nielsen as prepared to serve if needed. Councilmember Nielsen accepted the appointment.
Councilmember White asked whether any city-code or charter requirements constrained the council's selection method. Nicole (the city attorney/parliamentarian) explained the charter requires the council to select a vice mayor in January for a two-year term but does not specify a selection process for appointments, leaving the council discretion over interim selections. She added that while council custom has favored seniority, the charter does not mandate a specific method or deadline for filling the vice mayor role in this interim situation.
The motion to appoint Nielsen passed by unanimous voice vote. Councilmembers noted the appointment will be revisited in January per charter timing for the two-year term selection.
Next steps: Nielsen will serve as vice mayor until the council revisits the selection in January as directed by the charter.
