Title
Oath of Office for Stephannie Fortune to serve the unexpired term of the City Council District 3 Member until the April 4, 2023 General Municipal Election
Presenter:
Tom Strand, City Council President and At-Large Council Representative
HayDen Kane, Chief Judge of the Colorado Springs Municipal Court
Body
Summary:
Oath of Office for Stephannie Fortune, to serve the unexpired term of City Council District 3 Member
Background:
Stephannie Fortune was chosen at special called meeting of City Council on January 14, 2022. A majority of City Councilmembers selected Mrs. Fortune to fill the unexpired term for the District 3 City Councilmember.
Former City Council District 3 Councilmember, Richard Skorman, has resigned from the Colorado Springs City Council. He vacated the office of Councilmember effective December 31st, 2021.
Colorado Springs City Charter Article 2, Section 2-30(a)
(a) Vacancy. The office of Mayor or Councilmember shall become vacant upon death, resignation, removal from office, or forfeiture of office in any manner authorized by law. The office of Mayor or at-large Councilmember shall become vacant for failing to maintain bona fide residence in the City. The office of district Councilmember shall become vacant for failing to maintain bona fide residence in the district from which elected. (1909; 1975; 1987)
If a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, duties and responsibilities of that position shall transfer according to Section 4-20 of this Charter, and Council shall call an election within ninety (90) days, unless a general municipal election will occur in one hundred eighty (180) days and nominations for the office of Mayor can be timely filed in accord with municipal election law, for the purpose of electing a qualified person to the unexpired term of the office of Mayor. If a general municipal election will occur within one hundred eighty (180) days, the provisions of Section 4-20 shall apply until a successor of the Mayor last elected pursuant to the provisions of Section 2-10 of this Charter is elected and qualified, in accordance with this Charter. (1909; 1961; 1975; 1987; 2010)
If a vacancy occurs in the office of a Councilmember more than sixty (60) days prior to the next general municipal election, the Council shall appoint an eligible person to fill such vacancy within thirty (30) days of the date of vacancy until the next general municipal election. Any appointed Councilmember shall be subject to the provisions of recall set forth herein. If a vacancy occurs in the office of a Councilmember within sixty (60) days of a general municipal election, such vacancy shall be filled at the next general municipal election. Any vacancy filled by election shall be for the unexpired term. (1961; 1989)
(b) Forfeiture of Office. The office of Mayor or Councilmember shall be forfeited if:
(1) at any time during their term of office they lack any qualification for the office of Mayor or Councilmember prescribed by this Charter or by law;
(2) violate any express prohibition or requirement of this Charter;
(3) are convicted of a crime which constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction in which it occurred; or
(4) In the case of Councilmembers only, a Councilmember fails to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the Council without being excused by the Council. (1975; 2010)
Previous Council Action:
City Council solicited applications to the fill the upcoming vacancy in District 3. City Councilmembers interviewed candidates at their December 13, 2021 Work Session. City Council discussed this item at their January 10, 2021 Special Meeting, but made no appointment at that time. City Council discussed this item at their January 14, 2022 and a majority of members chose Stephannie Fortune to serve the unexpired term for the District 3 City Couniclmember.
Financial Implications:
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City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
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Stakeholder Process:
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Alternatives:
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Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
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Summary of Ordinance Language
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