Laserfiche WebLink
City Administrator Hagen stated that as staff reviewed this with the Council, they identified some <br />issues that exist within the current language in the Charter and provided additional context. He <br />stated that the Council felt adamantly that the Council seats should be filled by someone elected <br />by the public, but also recognized that if too many seats become vacant that could impact the <br />ability to conduct business and therefore provided an opportunity to fill the vacant position(s). <br />Commissioner Leistico referenced the change in language from "shall" to "may" and noted that <br />she would prefer shall versus may. <br />Commissioner Fuhreck stated that the issue he has is with the ability for the Council to have a <br />unanimous vote in support of a candidate for appointment. He commented that while that is a nice <br />concept, the likelihood of it occurring with this Council, and/or future Councils is highly unlikely <br />and therefore the seat would simply remain vacant for the remainder of that term. <br />Chairperson Field agreed that the term "may" does appear to be discretionary but recognized that <br />they would not have to. <br />Commissioner Moore commented that she also appreciates the word "shall" versus "may". <br />Chairperson Field used the scenario in which the vacated seat occurs just a short time before the <br />election where it would make more sense to simply go with the election. <br />Commissioner Moore commented that the City Council meets twice per month in regular meeting <br />and worksession, therefore there is a lot of work to be done in a one-year term. She stated that if <br />there is a vacancy, she would want to see it filled rather than remain open for one year. <br />Chairperson Field stated that the use of the word "may" could be interpreted towards the context <br />of the unanimous vote. <br />City Administrator Hagen provided additional context on the language proposed using "may" <br />versus "shall". <br />Chairperson Field recognized that this is the language the Council has accepted and asked if the <br />Commission would have the ability to make changes on this to send back to the Council as well. <br />City Clerk Schmidt confirmed that the Commission could propose changes and send that back to <br />the Council for consideration. She provided additional details on the timing when someone would <br />need to apply for a vacant seat in order to appear on the ballot. <br />Commissioner Fuhreck again noted that with a requirement for a unanimous vote, it would be <br />highly unlikely that anyone would ever be appointed. He suggested a super majority rather than <br />unanimous vote, explaining that the City Council is elected to make decisions for the residents and <br />if this decision comes before them, they should make it. He stated that although it is not ideal, it <br />is not based in reality to think there would be a candidate that comes forward that would be <br />Charter Commission/ July 19, 2023 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />