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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-15 City Council Special Meeting MINUTES COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL November 15, 2023 COUNCIL CHAMBERS 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY SOUTH COUNCIL CHAMBER - 6:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bailey called the Special Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL City Clerk Tammy Anderson called the roll: Mayor Bailey-Here; Council Member Khambata-Here; Council Member Thiede-Here; Council Member Olsen-Here. 3. REGULAR AGENDA City Council Vacant Seat Appointment Staff Recommendation: Conduct Council Member selection as outlined in the attached memo. Mayor Bailey stated this meeting is to fill the term of Council Member Dennis, who has resigned from the City Council. He explained to the candidates the process that would be followed tonight; candidates would be called in alphabetical order and would have three minutes to speak. He noted Monique Garza was not here, so instead they’d watch her video. Each of the Council Members will have a ballot; for the first round, they’d pick three candidates to move to the second round. In the second round, the Council Members and Mayor will cast their vote for two candidates. In the third round, we will vote on only one candidate. Mayor Bailey asked in the event that there’s a tie, as there are four of us voting, how do we handle that. Attorney Kori Land replied if there’s a tie in the final vote, then it’s the mayor’s choice. Each of the candidates spoke: Terry DuBry, Sr., Michael Falkner, Monique Garza (Video), Tony Jurgens, Amy Lucas, Sara Umbreit Mayor Bailey thanked all of the candidates for applying. As each of them saw this as an opportunity to get involved in their community, it’s very honorable and very appreciated by all of us. As you know, we have to pick only one person; so, if you’re not chosen today to be on the Council, please get involved as we have numerous City commissions, and those commissioners help us guide the future. At the end of this year, some commissioners will be term limited, that will be happening on the Economic Development Authority (EDA), but there’s also the Parks Commission, the Public Safety Health and Welfare Commission, the Planning Commission, etc. Strawberry Fest was mentioned often and that also needs volunteers. Thank you all for sharing your vision and your passion for your community. Clerk Anderson advised Mayor Bailey and the Council Members that she will be handing each of them one ballot with their name. You will vote all three rounds on the same ballot. Clerk Anderson read aloud the votes for the first round: Council Member Khambata-Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens, Sara Umbreit Council Member Thiede-Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens, Sara Umbreit Council Member Olsen-Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens, Amy Lucas Mayor Bailey-Terry DuBry, Monique Garza, Amy Lucas Council Member Khambata complimented everyone who applied. Reading through everyone’s credentials and the questionnaire, he was really impressed with every one of the candidates that are here today. Mayor Bailey agreed. He stated to be honest with you, this decision is more difficult than doing other tough votes on the City Council. Council Member Thiede stated he’d like to amplify what the Mayor said; he feels it’s very important that people get involved, and he looks at that as actually kind of a prerequisite. He thought all of us were previously on commissions before the City Council. He was on the Public Works Commission and the Planning Commission before he was elected to the Council. If you’re really passionate, we’d love to see you get involved in commissions, as those really help us make necessary decisions. Council Member Olsen thanked all of the applicants. The fact that each of them took the initiative to apply is very impressive and we’re grateful for that. There are lots of ways to serve our community. We’ve all served on various City Commissions, he was on the Public Safety Health and Welfare Commission and also served on the Planning Commission with Council Member Thiede; Council Member Khambata also served on the Planning Commission. Council Member Olsen was also a baseball coach for CGAA for 15 years. He encouraged everybody who’s not chosen as the appointee tonight to take the passion that prompted them to be here tonight and apply it in some way to serving the community. The appointee in 2024 would have to determine if they wanted to run for an additional two-year term. Whatever you choose to do, find a way to get involved if you can because it’s important. Our City is known for its volunteerism, it is very critical to our overall community success. Clerk Anderson advised in the second round, we’re asking Mayor Bailey and Council Members to vote for two candidates. Clerk Anderson read aloud the votes for the second round: Council Member Khambata-Monique Garza, Sara Umbreit Council Member Thiede-Tony Jurgens, Sara Umbreit Council Member Olsen-Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens Mayor Bailey-Monique Garza, Amy Lucas Clerk Anderson advised in the third round, we’re asking Mayor Bailey and the Council Members to select one candidate from Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens, or Sara Umbreit. Clerk Anderson read aloud the votes: Council Member Khambata-Sara Umbreit Council Member Thiede-Tony Jurgens Council Member Olsen-Monique Garza Mayor Bailey-Monique Garza Administrator Levitt advised Mayor Bailey and the Council Members according to your instructions, any candidate receiving three or more votes will be considered for appointment. So, at this time, Mayor, you would need to cast an additional vote. Mayor Bailey stated he’d stay with his original, which is Monique Garza. So, Monique will get the appointment. Mayor Bailey again thanked all of the candidates. This was very stressful, it’s not an easy thing to do, but he thanked all of them for coming in tonight and sharing their thoughts and beliefs about our community. Please do get involved, go on our City website and fill out an application, let’s get you involved in the community. This is a one-year term, and Monique Garza will have to run again in 2024 if she chooses to do so. Administrator Levitt asked Council to make a motion regarding the appointment of Monique Garza. Motion by Council Member Olsen to appoint Monique Garza to the vacant position, previously held by Council Member Steve Dennis, to take effect as of the vote at our next meeting; second by Council Member Thiede. Motion carried: 4-0. 4. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Thiede to adjourn the meeting; second by Council Member Khambata. Motion carried: 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m. Minutes were transcribed by Judy Graf, reviewed by Tamara Anderson, City Clerk.