Council looks to fill open seat

     With former Monticello City Council member Brian Wolken officially serving as mayor that leaves one of the Council At-large seats open.

     By state code, the council has 60 days from the time the vacancy begins (Jan. 2) to fill the seat.

     The council has two options in order to do just that:

     • The council could hold a special election of the residents of Monticello, which would have to be scheduled with the county auditor. City Administrator Doug Herman noted a special election could end up costing city taxpayers as much as $2,500.

      • The council could also appoint someone to fill the vacancy, filling out the remainder of Wolken’s term, which is two years. This option would cost the city nothing with the exception of running a public notice in the Express either in advance of or after an appointment was made.

     Either way, the person chosen to fill the vacancy would have the opportunity, if they so choose, to run for election in the next city elections.

     “I think it’s the intent of the council to appoint someone,” noted Herman.

     Iowa Code encourages government boards/committees to promote diversity with its members, meaning gender balance.

     “It’s different when they’re elected though,” said Herman, meaning the people make the decision by voting someone to serve their interests. “People elect who they want to, but diversity with age and gender should be a goal.”

     Right now, Chris Lux is the only female member of the Monticello City Council.

     “It’d be nice to see some women show some interest to balance the council,” encouraged Wolken during the Jan. 3 City Council meeting.

     Despite the action of the council, Herman said a citizen of the City of Monticello could submit a petition within 14 days of the council’s public notice to force a special election. Again, Herman noted that would come at a cost to the taxpayers.

     If anyone is interested in serving on the council, you are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office, Wolken, or a member of the council. Herman said it would be helpful to also include your qualifications for the job and some background information about yourself, making the decision easier on the council.

     “If we have multiple candidates, this type of information would be good to know,” said Herman.

     Candidates must simply reside within the city limits of Monticello. No paperwork has to be filed in order to serve on the council at this point.

     Monticello City Council members are expected to attend the two scheduled council meetings a month, plus any special meetings or work sessions that come up throughout the year, particularly at budget time. In addition, the mayor appoints each council member to one or two various boards as council liaisons.

     “That means there could be additional meetings if necessary,” added Herman, speaking of such boards as Public Library Board, Cemetery Board, or Parks and Rec.

     The salary for Monticello council members is $100 a month, or $1,200 a year.

     “That is not tied to meeting assignments,” Herman pointed out.

     The earliest the council could make a decision on the appointment would be their next meeting, Monday, Jan. 15, or their first meeting in February, Feb. 5. The council meets at 6 p.m.

     You can contact City Hall at 319-465-6435 for more information.