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TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to appoint a successor to Council Member Raymond Y. Hamada’s Council District 1 seat with a term ending December 2024.
DATE: October 2, 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The District 1 City Council seat became vacant when Mr. Raymond Y. Hamada resigned effective August 14, 2023. On August 28, 2023, the City Council approved a process by which it may appoint a successor to serve with a term ending December 2024 (at the declaration of the results of the November 5, 2024, Municipal Election). The City Clerk received seven verified applications and statements of interest for the open seat. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, serving as an ad hoc subcommittee, interviewed seven (7) applicants and is expected to recommend finalists to the full City Council.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Complete the process to appoint a successor to fill the vacant District 1 seat as follows:
a) City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee reports its findings; and b) If desirable, select a successor to fill the District 1 seat for a period with a term ending December 2024; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommended process will have no fiscal impact on the City, unless a special municipal election is called for March 2024. A special election for Council Member District 1 on March 5, 2024, is estimated at $51,586.81 and would require a budget amendment.
PUBLIC NOTICE
No additional public notice required.
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Staff Report – Consideration of Appointment to Council District 1 Vacant Seat October 2, 2023
DISCUSSION
Based upon the timing of Mr. Hamada’s resignation, the City Council may take any of the following actions: 1) call a special election to be held at the next regularly established election date (March 5, 2024) to fill the vacant seat; or 2) appoint a qualified resident of District 1 to complete the unexpired term until the results of the next regularly scheduled City Council election (November 5, 2024). The City Council has until October 13, 2023, to either appoint a candidate to fill the vacant seat or schedule a special municipal election for March 5, 2024.
The matter was brought to the City Council for direction during the August 28, 2023, City Council meeting and the City Council decided to try and fill the position from among qualified applicants in Council District 1.
The City Council subcommittee had full discretion on how to conduct its review of candidate applications within the guidelines approved on August 28, 2023. Based upon direction provided during that meeting, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, serving as an ad hoc subcommittee, interviewed seven (7) applicants and is expected to recommend finalists to the full City Council. However, while the City Council has stated its initial desire to appoint a qualified resident to fill the vacant seat, it is not obligated to make such an appointment. All options stated above will remain open.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Final List of City Council Candidates (listed in the order received) B. Finalists Applications (in the order received)
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UPDATED 9/12/23 @ 5:01 P.M.
FINAL
2023 VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1
LIST OF CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
(Voter Registration and District of Residence Verified; Listed in the Order Received)
NAME
DATE
FILED
1 Wendi Morse 8/30/2023
2 Aaron K. Drake 8/30/2023
3 Brian J. Ahumada 9/8/2023
4 Jake Daniel Schnablegger 9/8/2023
5 Ruth Zymkowitz 9/11/2023
6 Paula Karen Grond 9/11/2023
7 Stacey Chanan 9/12/2023
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