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City Council Minutes Page 2 <br /> November 13,2012 <br /> MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY <br /> COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPOINT MIKE KEEFE TO THE • <br /> PLANNING COMMISSION TO FULFILL AN UNEXPIRED TERM UNTIL <br /> FEBRUARY 28,2015.MOTION CARRIED 5-0. <br /> 6.2. Process for Filling Councilmember Ward 1 Open Seat <br /> Mr.Portner presented his staff report. <br /> Councilmember Zerwas stated that he will resign effective January 7,2013,which will leave <br /> just under two years left in his term. <br /> Councilmember Gumphrey stated that he is in favor of a special election because he does <br /> not believe that the Council should appoint someone to represent the citizens of Ward 1. <br /> Mayor Dietz disagreed. He indicated that state statute allows for an appointment.He stated <br /> that he doesn't feel that people would get out and vote.He added the Council could <br /> interview all interested candidates and make a decision on who should be appointed. <br /> Councilmember Motin stated he would like to get a better idea of the cost of a special <br /> election because it may not be worth the cost.Mr.Portner stated that early estimates for a <br /> special election are$8,000-$10,000.He added that he would like to see the position heavily <br /> advertised if the Council decides to do an appointment. <br /> Councilmember Zerwas indicated that he believes the best candidate will be chosen during <br /> the Council selection process.He added that he believes the turnout for a special election • <br /> would be incredibly low. <br /> Mr.Beck explained that the Council cannot take formal action to fill the seat until the seat is <br /> actually vacant. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated that he shares the concerns about voter turnout and the <br /> cost of having a special election;however,he also finds it challenging to appoint someone to <br /> fill that seat since he doesn't live in that ward. <br /> Mr.Beck explained that if the Council ends up split on whether or not to call a special <br /> election,there would not be a majority to adopt the ordinance allowing the special election <br /> and it would automatically default to an appointment.He added that in an appointment <br /> situation,the Councilmembers vote and if they cannot agree,it becomes a Mayoral <br /> appointment. He stated that no decision needs to be made this evening and reminded the <br /> Council again that no formal action can be taken until the seat is vacant. <br /> Councilmember Gumphrey questioned if the position can be advertised before the vacancy <br /> exists.Mr.Beck stated that whether or not a special election is called for,the Council must <br /> appoint someone to fill the seat in the interim and that can be advertised. <br /> Councilmember Motin questioned if the Council can prohibit the person appointed from <br /> seeking re-election after their term expires.Mr.Beck stated that would have to be an <br /> agreement between the Council and the individual appointed. <br /> • <br />