I. RECOMMENDATION:
City Council to review the submitted applications for the vacant City Council seat created by the resignation of Councilman Hedgcock, conduct applicant interviews per the adopted procedure, and consider appointment of one candidate to fill the vacancy effective January 8, 2025.
II. BACKGROUND:
On December 10 2025, City staff publicly announced the vacancy and solicited applications for interested residents through, posting on the City website and social media platforms, publication at City Hall and other public posting locations throughout the City.
The application period closed on December 30, 2025, and as of that deadline, the City Clerk received three (3), completed applications. All eligible applicants have been notified and invited to attend the January 8, 2026, City Council meeting, where interviews will be conducted pursuant to the adopted procedures.
III. DISCUSSION:
Per City Council direction and adopted process in the Code of Conduct, interviews will proceed as follows:
Pre-Interview Verification
- Only timely, complete applications are eligible.
- The City Clerk has verified eligibility per state law.
Interview Order and Notification
- Order determined by random drawing.
- Applicants were notified at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Interview Format
- Opening Statement: Up to 5 minutes.
- Council Questions: Councilmembers may ask questions; consistent questioning is encouraged.
- Audience Questions: Up to 10 minutes total; one question per individual.
- Closing Statement: Up to 3 minutes.
Public Comment
- Up to 2 minutes per speaker before deliberation.
Council Deliberation and Voting
- Each Councilmember may nominate one applicant.
- Voting proceeds by voice vote; in case of a tie, the lowest-supported nominee is eliminated and voting continues until a majority is reached.
Appointment and Swearing-In
- The selected applicant may be sworn in immediately following the vote, anytime after the meeting by the Clerk or at the next scheduled Council meeting.
Documentation
- The City Clerk will maintain the official record of all interviews, deliberations, and the final vote.
Term of Appointment
- The appointed individual will serve the remainder of the unexpired term, through November 2026.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
Special Election: The City may call a special election to fill the vacancy. The City Attorney previously estimated this option to cost approximately $40,000 and extend well beyond the statutory 60 day period.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
None determined at this time. | | |