2019-03-05 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL OPEN MEETING ITEM 65D. RECOMMENDATION THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DISCUSS AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING: [1] THE DECLARATION OF A VACANCY AND APPOINTMENT TO THE WARD 4 COUNCIL OFFICE AS REQUIRED BY CITY CHARTER SECTION 403, [2]THE CANDIDATE APPLICATION PROCESS; [3] POSSIBLE DATES TO CONDUCT CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS. The following spoke on matter: • Carl Benninger, urged City Council to fill vacant seat and not wait until a special election in November. • Michelle Martinez, urged City Council to appoint a new council member who can meet the needs of the community. Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Iglesias requested clarification on the process. City Attorney Carvalho, under the terms of the City Charter the council has a duty to declare position vacant. Once vacancy is declared, council "shall"fill the vacancy by appointment within 30 days from date of vacancy; however, if council fails to fill vacancy by appointment then council must call a special election. The first step is declare vacancy, then direct staff regarding the type of process in filling vacancy. Councilmember Solorio, expressed the importance to declare vacancy and proceed with providing direction as to the process: • Nixie announcement • Place on Social Media platforms • Submit letters of interest or resumes • Submitted to the Clerk of the Council Office • Place on the next agenda to interview and/or take action on March 19, 2019 • Possibly create an ad hoc committee or special meeting to screen the initial candidates. Councilmember Penaloza, unsupportive of an ad hoc committee and prefers the council as a whole to be part of the process; inquired about the 30 day window expiration date. City Attorney Carvalho, conveyed that March 30, 2019, is the expiration date; the appointee would have to reside in Ward 4, as those boundaries existed in November 2018. In addition, the appointee must have lived in ward 4 for a 12 months. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 25 MARCH 5,2019