DISTRICT 2
CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
Date: March 23, 2026
Background
1 AGENDA
Interviews2
Vote Process3
Appointment4
Date: March 23, 2026
BACKGROUND
City Charter Section 250:
“A vacancy in the office of Council Member or Mayor shall be filled by appointment by the Council. The appointee shall hold office until the next general municipal election and until a successor is elected and qualified. Any unexpired remainder of the term of such office shall be filled by the voters at such election. If the Council fails to fill such vacancy within sixty days after its existence, the Council shall call a special election, at which the unexpired remainder of the term of such office shall be filled by the voters.” Date: March 23, 2026
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3 APPOINTMENT TIMELINE
Timeline:
• February 10 – District 2 seat vacated
• February 17 – Council direction on appointment process• February 20 to March 9 – Application period• March 23 – Interviews and possible appointment• April 11 – Deadline to appoint If no appointment is made:
• Continue deliberations at the April 6 regular meeting; or• Call for a special election Date: March 23, 2026
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4 SPECIAL
ELECTIONIf a special election is required, staff recommend consolidating with the existing November 3, 2026 election, as funds are already allocated in the FY 26-27 budget. Standalone special election:
• Date to be determined• Appropriation of funds needed• $23-$25 per registered voter • $180,000 to $1.2 million (depending on at-large vs. by-district voting system)
Date: March 23, 2026
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5 APPLICANTS
Date: March 23, 2026
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6 INTERVIEWS
1. Interview order randomly selected by City Clerk2. Candidates are sequestered in the Sister Cities Gallery3. The Mayor will ask an opening question for introductions (90 seconds)4. Each Councilmember and the Mayor will have 4 minutes per candidate for questions and answers Reminder: Interview questions must not address protected characteristics, including race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, or similar protected categories.
Date: March 23, 2026
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7 VOTE PROCESS
Step 1: The Mayor will ask for nominations from the City Council:
1. Applicants receiving a nomination are eligible for appointment2. Applicants not receiving a nomination are removed from consideration Step 2: For applicants who received a vote to nominate:
1. City Clerk will create a random voting order for applicants2. The Mayor will call for a vote on each individual in that order3. The person with four votes is selected for appointment4. Council makes a motion & second to adopt the resolution to appoint, then votes Step 3: If no nominees receives four votes, repeat Step 2.
Date: March 23, 2026
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8 NO MAJORITY
NOMINEE
If there is no majority nominee, the City Council may do one of the following:
1. Continue the appointment process at the April 6,
2026 Council meeting; or
2. Adopt a resolution calling for a special election to fill the vacancy.
Date: March 23, 2026
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9 RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the City Council interview applicants for the District 2 City Council vacancy and do one of the following:
1. Adopt a resolution to fill the vacancy by appointment;2. Continue the appointment process at the City Council meeting of April 6, 2026; or3. Adopt a resolution calling for a special election to place the vacancy on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Date: March 23, 2026