Call out to fill council vacancy

A call is being put out to those interested in being a councillor after town council opted to appoint someone to fill the vacant seat left by the passing of Coun. Sharon Tibbs.
Mayor Roy Avis said at Monday night’s regular meeting that the current term of council is up in 22 months, so rather than spend $20,000 to hold a byelection, the town should advertise for individuals to submit applications, then appoint someone from those respondents.

Clerk Glenn Treftlin said the appointment of a councillor to fill the vacancy must take place within 60 days after the vacancy is declared, meaning council must decide from among the applicants before March 29 (the last council meeting that month is March 25).
The position of councillor will be advertised immediately, and those interested will have 30 days to apply.
This will give council several weeks to review applications.
With the loss of Coun. Tibbs also creating vacancies on various boards and committees, Mayor Avis made appointments to fill those Monday night.
The position of deputy mayor now will be held by whoever is chair of the committee of the whole.
This means a different councillor will hold that position every four months, with the first such person being Coun. Andrew Hallikas.
The current deputy mayor also will serve as the mayor’s alternate on the Municipal Control Group, a body meant to deal with emergencies.
Meanwhile, Coun. Paul Ryan will fill the vacancy on the Administration and Finance executive committee while Mayor Avis will take on the Planning and Development executive committee.
Coun. Hallikas will sit on the public library board while Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft now will be on the Sunny Cove Camp Advisory Committee.
In related news, council agreed Monday to make an in memoriam donation in honour of Coun. Tibbs.
They will donate $250 to the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary.