Adopt Resolution #18-266 Calling for a Special Election to Fill the Vacancy in the At-Large Council Seat and direct staff to proceed with the Special Election process.

Purpose:  To schedule a special election to fill the vacancy in the At-Large Council seat, vacated by Councilmember At-Large John LeTourneau, who was elected to the office of Mayor in the Special Election held November 6, 2018.   

Background:  As Council is aware, the Mayoral seat was vacated in May, 2018 when Sarah Strommen resigned from the seat, due to moving out of the City.  John LeTourneau, Councilmember At-Large ran for the Mayoral office in the Special Election held on November 6, 2018, and was elected to such office.  This created a vacancy in the At-Large Council position.  The City's Charter, Section 2.5, provides that upon a vacancy, the Council shall publicly declare the vacancy to exist.  Council adopted a resolution affirming that action at their November 27, 2018 meeting.  

Section 4.5 of the Charter directs how vacancies on the City Council are filled.  If there are 365 days, or more, remaining in the term of the vacated office, a special election is required to fill that vacancy.  There are more than 365 days left in the current At-Large term.  Due to newly adopted uniform special election dates, a special election must be held on one of the following dates:  

• The second Tuesday in February
• The second Tuesday in April
• The second Tuesday in May
• The second Tuesday in August
• The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
• On another date if the special election is held in response to an emergency or disaster.

 Due to the uniform timeline for elections, this special election, for both offices, shall be scheduled as follows:  The filing period for candidacy will take place, following all notifications in the City's official newspaper, and will begin 84 days prior to a Primary Election - which would be Tuesday, January 15, ending Tuesday, January 29, which is 70 days prior to the Primary Election.  Withdrawal from candidacy will end on Thursday, January 31.  Absentee balloting begins 46 days prior to a Primary Election - which in this case will be Friday, February 22.  Primary Election day will then be Tuesday, April 9.  IF there are two or less candidates, the Primary will not be necessary, however, due to the timelines being linked to a specific election, the General Election date cannot be moved up from what is scheduled.  The Primary Election would just simply not be held.  Absentee balloting for the General will begin on June 28 and the Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, August 13.  

The Resolution attached for Council action schedules a Special Primary and a Special General Election to elect a Councilmember At-Large to a term ending January 2021.  

Following the adoption of Resolution #18-266, staff will publish notices of the special election as well as a candidate filing notice in the City's official newspaper, according to the Statutory timelines.  As you are aware, the City's official newspaper is the Anoka County Union/Herald.

The City's Charter requires the City Council to declare by resolution a vacancy in the Mayor and/or Council office and schedule a Special Election to elect a successor.  There are no alternatives to adoption of the resolution as this is a mandatory Charter requirement.

Funding for Elections is taken from the City's General Fund Budget.

Staff recommends Council adopt the attached resolution calling for/scheduling a Special Election to fill the seat of the vacant At-Large Council position.

Motion to adopt Resolution #18-266 Calling for a Special Election to Fill the Vacancy in the At-Large Council Seat and direct staff to proceed with the Special Election process.