HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2004-05-24 #DD City of Seal Beach
Agenda Report
Date: May 24, 2004
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: John B. Bahorski
City Manager
Subject: Acceptance of Council Member Doane's Resignation and Proposed
Process for Filling the Vacancy
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
Accept the resignation of Council Member Doane and provide staff direction on how to
proceed with filling the vacancy.
BACKGROUND:
Council Member Doane has submitted a letter of resignation to City Council, and the
Council will now need to take action to accept the resignation letter. By taking this
action, City Council is declaring the office vacant. Once that action is taken, City
Council has two options:
1. Fill the vacancy within 30 days. City Council must appoint a successor from
District 5 who is a resident, at least 18 years of age, and a registered voter of that
district. Council has broad discretion on the selection process and can develop a
simple or complex process depending on the Council Members desires. There are
some guidelines that must be followed: the appointment process must be
conducted in open session at a scheduled Council meeting, and a majority vote of
the Council is required. This option is the least costly and time consuming of the
two options. Further, the time period for City Council to operate with only four
members would be limited. If the City Council fails to make an appointment
within 30 days after declaring the office vacant, an election will be held to fill the
vacancy. Attachment A contains a proposed timeframe and process to fill the
vacancy within the 30 -day period.
ITEM DD
2. The second option is that City Council decides to conduct a special election to fill
the vacancy. This option would let the voters from that district directly decide on
their Council representative. If an election were contemplated it would need to be
balanced against the cost of conducting a special election at a rough cost of
$20,000, requiring the newly elected City Clerk to run the special election, and
the Council operate with four members for a lengthy period of time. If the City
Council is unable to make an appointment to fill the vacancy, a special election
shall be held on the next regularly scheduled election date not less than 114 days
from the call of the special election, November 2, 2004. Given the period of time
for the County to certify the election and seating a new Council Member, it is
probable that a new Council Member would not be sworn in until December 6th
or 7
After accepting the resignation letter from Council Member Doane the next step for City
Council is to determine which one of the two options will be selected to fill the vacancy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost could range from $500 to $20,000 depending on the option selected by City
Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Accept the letter of resignation from Council Member Doane
2. Select Option 1 or 2
3. Direct staff to begin the process
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Council Member Doane's letter of resignation
B. Proposed process and timeframe for filling the vacancy within 30 days
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CITY HALL 211 EIGHTH STREET
SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90740
(213) 431 -2527
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May 17, 2004
To: John Bahorski & City Council
My advancing years and declining health are beginning to
take their toll. Because of this, I regretfully am tending
my resignation from the Seal Beach City Council. The
effective date is Monday, May 24, 2004 at 11100 PM.
By_ giving the council advance notice, I hope to make the
selection of my replacement smooth transition. If the
council can select a replacement within 30 days of the
24th, they can avoid tke expense of a special election.
Sinne 1991, the three resignations have been filled by
selections mode by the council from letters of intent and
interviews 4f prospective council members.
My eleven years of service to the- ._asty—have.. been. frustrating
at times but very rewarding most of. the time. I .am most
grateful for the many friendships I have found among city
staff and dedicated fellow citizens.
Sincerely
i o
G/ it } /0/ � /?
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William J v.- e
Attachment B
Proposed Process and Timeframe to Fill the Vacant City Council Office
Task Date
Accept the resignation and declare the office vacant May 24, 2004
Advertise vacancy in local newspapers May 25 through June 11
Accept letters of interest for the office May 25 through June 17
Conduct interviews for the position June 19, 21 or 22
Administer the oath of office June 19, 21 or 22