Filling Vacancies on Commissions, Committees, and/or Boards Created by Resignation of Councilmember Williams

Purpose:  To discuss and possibly appoint Councilmembers to fill vacancies on Commissions/Boards and Committees created by the resignation of Councilmember Williams.

Background:  As Council is aware, Kristine Williams resigned from her Council seat, effective October 1, 2017.  In January of each year, Councilmembers are appointed to serve on Commissions, Committees, and Boards.  Ms. Williams served on the following:

• Economic Development Authority - Councilmember LeTourneau is the Alternate
• Happy Days Committee - Councilmember Riley is the Alternate
• Ramsey/Nowthen Joint Powers Board - Councilmember Kuzma is the Alternate
• Anoka County Fire Joint Powers Group - Councilmember Williams served as the Alternate - Council may determine if another alternate will be appointed.

Observations:  The Economic Development Authority meets every month while the other Boards/Commissions/Committees meet periodically.  There are currently alternates appointed who attend the meetings in the absence of  an appointed representative. 

Alternatives:  Mayor Strommen is appointing Councilmember LeTourneau to the EDA position and Councilmember Johns as alternate.  This appointment is subject to Council approval, and she is requesting Council ratification of such appointment as required by ordinance.  

Council has the option to appoint, or not appoint, representatives to the other Boards/Commissions/Committees since they meet periodically, and there is currently an alternate to serve in Councilmember Williams' place.  The Council may wait and make the rest of the appointments after a new Councilmember is voted-in and issued the Oath of Office on April, 2018.

Council may also decide they wish to have full representation, including alternates, for all the above appointments, and could appoint someone this evening to fill those vacancies.

Staff is recommending Council ratify Mayor Strommen's appointment of Councilmember LeTourneau to serve as the representative for the EDA, and Councilmember Johns as the alternate, and delay filling the other vacancies until the Council vacancy is filled.

Motion to ratify Mayor Strommen's appointment of Councilmember LeTourneau to fill the vacancy on the Economic Development Authority and Councilmember Johns to fill the position of alternate.

Note: no action is required for the remaining vacancies unless it is decided to make additional appointments at this time.