City Seeks New Council Member

City council members on Monday decided they will appoint a new member to fill a vacancy made by .

Marchand, who was sworn in as mayor Monday, previously served as vice mayor and vacates a term that is set to expire in November 2013. He replaces , who termed out this year.

, a retired fire chief, and , a nurse, were also sworn in Monday as new council members. and replace Marj Leider, who termed out, and Jeff Williams, who did not seek re-election.

The new council also had the option to seek a special election for a new member. However, council members decided against an election due to its high price tag of $350,000. Also, council members would like a new member serving soon and an election would have to be held in April.

Here is the proposed timeline city staff will work on throughout the appointment process:

• Nov. 30 — Recruitment period begins.
• Dec. 8 — Recruitment period closes at 12 noon. Applications must be received by the City Clerk's Office, by hand, fax or e-mail by 12 noon. Postmarks not acceptable.
• Dec. 12 (regular council meeting) — Council will screen applications and make selection of candidates to be interviewed.
• Dec. 19 (special meeting) — Special meeting to conduct interviews and select councilmember to fill vacancy.
• Jan. 9 — Oath of Office administered to newly appointed councilmember.

Meanwhile, Marshall Kamena at Monday's meeting was honored with a proclamation naming him Mayor Emeritus of Livermore.

. When asked by Livermore Patch if he plans to apply for the vacant seat on the council, Kamena replied:

I have not considered it. Mayor Emeritus has responsibilities I'm looking forward to.

, , also attended Monday's meeting. He told a Patch reporter that he intends to apply as a candidate to fill the vacancy.

, , on Tuesday told Patch that she will also apply for the vacant council seat.

Monday's decision is the latest on how Livermore's three major government agencies are dealing with board member vacancies made by .

Prior to being sworn into the council, Gary also served as a trustee on the Board of Education. . They hope to have someone in place by January.

The also must decide on whether it will appoint a new member or hold a special election to replace Turner, who joined the park district board after being elected by voters last year.

LARPD Board President Steve Goodman attended Monday's city council meeting. He told a Patch reporter that the park board will discuss how they plan to replace Turner at its Dec. 14 meeting.

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