Council appoints Brad Dolan to fill Morris City Council vacancy

The Morris City Council on March 1 appointed Brad Dolan to fill a recently declared council vacancy after accepting the resignation of council member Zach. Mayor presided over a motion to nominate Dolan, who was present at the meeting; the nomination was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.

"I would like to make a motion to nominate Brad Dolan to the vacancy left by council member Zach," the mayor said before calling for the vote. Council members said the appointment would help maintain a full quorum and continue council business without delay.

The council administered the oath of office to Dolan at the meeting. Council members then addressed board assignments tied to the vacated seat: a motion was approved to assign Dolan to the park board and the tree board, and to move Councilmember Jeff Miller from the park board to the planning commission. Councilmember Miller was also nominated and elected mayor pro tem by roll call vote.

City manager Blaine outlined the statutory timeline for filling a vacancy: the council has 30 days to appoint someone; if the council does not act, the mayor may appoint within 10 days. The appointee will serve until the next election, at which point the remaining term will be on the ballot.

The council welcomed Dolan to his duties and noted he will begin attending board meetings and council work as scheduled. No further action on the vacancy was taken during the meeting.