Hunter
05/12/22
The Coralville City Council this week indicated they’re leaning towards appointing a replacement for member Jill Dodds, who resigned in late April.
The Press-Citizen reports that the city can either appoint or hold a special election to replace Dodds, whose term ends in November 2023.
Mayor Meghann Foster, who doesn’t have a vote on the council, indicated that she prefers a special election, but admitted that it would be a challenge leaving the position vacant for too long. It was pointed out that councilor Mitch Gross will miss the next several meetings, leaving only 3 members.
The newspaper said that Council members Mike Knudson and Laurie Goodrich were in favor of the appointment option, with councilor Hai Huynh eventually agreeing with them.
County Auditor Travis Weipert was on hand to brief the council on the procedure of appointing someone to the City Council. Applications will be taken from the community based on the one used for the city’s boards and commissions.
The plan could be upended by community petition to hold a special election. Based on turnout from the last Coralville election, the petition would need at least 396 signatures. It would have to be submitted within 14 days of the council’s vote to appoint a member.
The city has until June 25th to fill the seat by appointment. If they fail to do so, or a special election hasn’t been called for by then, one will be called for by the County Commissioner.
The City Council will formally vote on the appointment option at its meeting on May 24th.
