Discussion and Potential Action Regarding the Procedures to fill a City Councilmember Unscheduled Vacancy

Hope Ithurburn, City Clerk

Approve a public process be followed, similar to previous processes utilized to fill the vacancy, and direct the City Clerk to:

• Post a Notice of Vacancy;
• Solicit applications from July 27 - August 9, 2022; and
• Schedule a Special meeting on August 18, 2022 at 6:00pm, to interview applicants in open session and make the appointment.

On June 28, 2022, the City Council received notice of resignation of City Councilmember Joe Patterson, effective June 30, 2022. The resignation resulted in a vacancy in an office of City Council with the term of office expiring December 2024.

The process for filling a vacancy on the City Council before the end of a term of office is set forth in California Government Code section 36512. Section 36512 requires the City Council, within 60 days from the date of the vacancy, to either fill the vacancy by appointment or call a special election.

On July 5, 2022 at a Special Meeting of the City Council, the City Council adopted a resolution electing to make an appointment to a vacant position on the City Council and calling and giving notice of a Special Municipal Election to be held on November 8, 2022 for the election of one City Councilmember for a term of two years.

The impact is minimal, consisting of time spent by staff and the City Council to recruit, interview, and make the appointment at a public meeting.