Council directs draft letter of censure over councilman’s absences

The Columbia Falls City Council on June 15 instructed City Manager Hanks to draft a formal letter expressing council concern about Councilman Christopher Seamok’s attendance and lack of communication, and to circulate the draft to council members for signature and certified mailing.

Councilors cited attendance counts and prior text messages as the justification. One council member read a message sent to Seamok that said, in part: "You have been absent for six of 12 meetings since taking office. Four absences you did not take the time to inform the clerk. This is unacceptable behavior by a member of the city council. Please evaluate your commitment to the city and constituents." Councilors debated options including verbal reprimand, written reprimand, a resolution of censure, removal from committee assignments or referring the matter to voters via petition.

The council agreed to have Manager Hanks draft a letter modeled on the prior text, request a response by the next meeting (target date July 6), and circulate it for signatures; the motion to prepare the letter and send it certified passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: Councilors said regular attendance is necessary for representation of constituents and for the functioning of council business; the letter is an official record of concern and a first formal step that stops short of removing the elected official from office.

What’s next: Manager Hanks will draft the letter and share it with council members for review; councilors indicated they would likely sign and send it certified if they agree with the final text.