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Meridian Hills council reviews statutes and timetable for filling a possible council vacancy
Summary
President Freihofer asked the council to consider replacing Councilor Colleen Field, who is moving; the minutes reference a Dentons memorandum outlining statutes, a 30-day meeting requirement to fill vacancies, a 10-day written notice requirement, oath timing and recommended nomination procedures.
During new business the council discussed a potential council vacancy after President Walter Freihofer said the council should "think about replacing Colleen since she is moving," and noted a nominee should be appointed within 30 days. The minutes reference Exhibit E, a Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP memorandum that summarizes state statutes and the processes governing town elections and filling vacancies.
The Dentons memorandum (Exhibit E) cites applicable statutes (including IC 36-5-2; IC 3-10-6; IC 3-13-9-3; IC 3-13-9-14; IC 5-4-1-1; IC 5-4-1-18) and sets out procedures the council should follow if a vacancy occurs: hold a meeting within 30 days of the vacancy (or within 30 days of official notice of a death), provide written notice by first-class mail at least 10 days before the meeting stating the purpose and meeting date/time/place, and fill the vacancy by a vote of the full council (for clerk-treasurer) or by the remaining council members (for council seats). The memo also explains oath-of-office timing (within 30 days) and who may administer oaths and recommends following Robert’s Rules of Order for nominations and voting procedures.
The minutes record the discussion and the reference to Dentons’ guidance but do not show a formal nomination or appointment at this meeting. The council listed the item for further action (nominee time - appoint in 30 days) and scheduled follow-up as part of upcoming meeting planning (Nov. 4 meeting anticipated).
