Baberton City Council appoints Brian Fleming after failed vote on Rita Masten

Baberton City Council appointed Brian Fleming to fill a single council vacancy after a failed vote on an earlier nominee.

The chair, acting as presiding officer, read the council's vacancy-filling procedure before nominations, explaining that nominations require a second and a roll-call vote and that a two-thirds majority of members present is required to elect a candidate. "The council president is permitted to move and vote in this matter," the chair said while explaining the process.

A council member moved to nominate Rita Masten and another member seconded the nomination. "I would like to nominate Rita Masten," the council member said. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote. Missus Miller and Mister Foreman voted yes; Missus Gerhardt, Missus Hager, Mister Moore, Missus Bibb, Mister Stoll, and Missus Thompson voted no. "With 2 yeses, that is not 2 thirds of the vote," the chair said, and the nomination failed.

The council then considered a second nomination. Mister Moore moved to nominate Brian Fleming and Missus Miller seconded. The clerk called the roll and all members present voted yes; the chair declared the outcome unanimous and invited Brian Fleming to join the council. "Brian Fleming, we'd like to ask you to join our council," the chair said as members congratulated the appointee and thanked Rita Masten for applying.

Council staff reminded residents to monitor the city website and boards-and-commissions postings for future vacancies. With no further business, a council member moved to adjourn, the motion was seconded, members said "Aye," and the meeting ended.

The meeting record shows two formal nomination motions: the nomination of Rita Masten (failed in roll call, two yes votes) and the nomination of Brian Fleming (approved unanimously).