The Jefferson city council will decide at its June 13 meeting how to proceed in fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Dan Benitz.
Benitz was elected last November to fill the District 2 position left open by the resignation of Lisa Jaskey due to the Jaskeys’ relocation. The term expires in 2019.
As when Jaskey resigned, the council can appoint someone to fill the vacancy or hold a special election. If the council appoints, the public can call an election through a petition process. Either way, the person would serve only until the November election.
Because Jaskey was elected from District 2, the new council person must also reside in that district. Other council positions on the November ballot will be elected at-large, as the council eliminated voting districts earlier this year.
Mayor Craig Berry appointed Dave Sloan to the library board to replace Benitz.
In other business at the May 23 city council meeting, the council approved the first reading of an amendment to the municipal code increasing the deposit on new utility (water) accounts from $100 to $150. According to city clerk Diane Kennedy, the deposit has not been increased in 10 or 15 years.
The city council also approved a fireworks permit for Wild Rose Casino and Resort for July 4. The city will partner with Wild Rose rather than do a display at the fairgrounds. The partnership will allow for a larger display, but it will be held at Wild Rose, not the fairgrounds.
In other business, the council approved amendments to the FY17 budget; gave the final approval to contracts with Pinnacle Construction for the façade rehabilitation project in the Main Street district and accepted easement agreements and payments from property owners involved; and approved the second reading of an ordinance amended the zoning code to allow preschools and child care centers in the holding district.
Members of the Jefferson Matters: Main Street board provided their quarterly update to the council.
