13.A.
City Council Draft Agenda
- Meeting Date:
- 11/18/2025
- From:
- Stacy Saltzburg, City Clerk
- Department:
- Communication and Civic Engagement
Co-Submitter:
TITLE:
FAIR - Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding Vice Mayor Selection Process
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DESIRED OUTCOME:
Council Discussion
Executive Summary:
The current Council Rules of Procedure sets the process for selection of the Vice Mayor as noted below.
6.03 Selection of Vice Mayor
The candidate with the highest number of votes in the most recent general candidate election shall be appointed Vice Mayor until the next general candidate election. If for whatever reason the Vice Mayor cannot fulfill their term the position will be transferred to the candidate with the next highest number of votes in the most recent general candidate election.
When the City Charter was adopted in 1958 it established the requirement for City Council to appoint a Vice-Mayor following each candidate election. Beginning in 1960 the Council began the practice of appointing a Vice Mayor using the criteria of the councilmember receiving the highest number of votes at the prior general election. In 1992 the Council deviated from the practice and appointed a Vice Mayor who received the highest number of votes at the most recent election (1992 election) rather than the prior (1990). There was controversy at the time this happened. I have attached the minutes from that meeting along with a letter submitted by Councilmember Francis Short.
Since 1992, the practice of appointing a vice mayor has been to appoint the councilmember who received the highest number of votes at the most recent election.
The City Council codified this informal practice in February 2019 by adding it into the Council Rules of Procedure. The topic of Vice Mayor appointment has come up a few times over the years but has resulted in no change from the current practice.
6.03 Selection of Vice Mayor
The candidate with the highest number of votes in the most recent general candidate election shall be appointed Vice Mayor until the next general candidate election. If for whatever reason the Vice Mayor cannot fulfill their term the position will be transferred to the candidate with the next highest number of votes in the most recent general candidate election.
When the City Charter was adopted in 1958 it established the requirement for City Council to appoint a Vice-Mayor following each candidate election. Beginning in 1960 the Council began the practice of appointing a Vice Mayor using the criteria of the councilmember receiving the highest number of votes at the prior general election. In 1992 the Council deviated from the practice and appointed a Vice Mayor who received the highest number of votes at the most recent election (1992 election) rather than the prior (1990). There was controversy at the time this happened. I have attached the minutes from that meeting along with a letter submitted by Councilmember Francis Short.
Since 1992, the practice of appointing a vice mayor has been to appoint the councilmember who received the highest number of votes at the most recent election.
The City Council codified this informal practice in February 2019 by adding it into the Council Rules of Procedure. The topic of Vice Mayor appointment has come up a few times over the years but has resulted in no change from the current practice.
Information:
Should the Council desire to amend the Council Rules of Procedure related to the selection of the Vice Mayor, staff will bring the requested amendments to Council for approval at a future City Council meeting.