Other Business - City Council
Title
Title
A Resolution Declaring a Vacancy for Ward 2 and Calling for a Special Election
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Executive Summary
Council is asked to declare a Ward 2 vacancy and call for a special election for former Councilmember Jeppson’s seat.
Background
Councilmember Julie Jeppson was elected as Anoka County Commissioner - District 6 on November 8, 2022 and took office January 3, 2023. As a member cannot hold two offices simultaneously, a vacancy in Ward 2 was created with a term to expire January 6, 2025.
According to Statute and Charter, if a vacancy occurs for a period of more than 12 months the Council shall by resolution declare the vacancy and call for a special election. As the remaining term is more than 12 months, appointment of an individual to fill the vacancy until a special election is held is not allowed per Charter, different than vacancies that have less than 12 months remaining.
Dates for special elections are set by Statute:
February 14
Filing December 6-December 20, 2022
April 11
Filing January 31-February 14
May 9
Filing February 28-March 14
August 8
Filing May 30-June 13
November 7
Filing August 1-August 13
As candidate filing has already passed for the February election, the first available election for this vacancy would be April 11. Council will remain at six members until a new member is duly elected and qualified.
Strategic Plan Relationship
N/A
Board/Commission Review
N/A
Financial Impact
N/A
Public Outreach/Input
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Staff Recommendation
By motion, adopt the resolution declaring the vacancy and call for a special election for a two-year term for Ward 2 that expires January 6, 2025.
Attachment List
None
Body
WHEREAS, Councilmember Julie Jeppson was elected to a four-year term of office in Council Ward 2 at the regular City election of November 3, 2020; and
WHERAS, Councilmember Jeppson was elected to the office of Anoka County Commissioner District 6 on November 8, 2022, and took office January 3, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the City Council formally announced the vacancy in Ward 2 on January 9, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council declares that a vacancy exists for the unexpired term for Ward 2.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a special election is called for April 11, 2023 for the vacancy for Ward 2 with a term to expire January 6, 2025.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 9th day of January, 2023.