Hartley council to fill vacancy with appointment

The Hartley City Council on June 28 moved forward with plans to appoint a member to fill a vacancy.

The council unanimously voted to fill former member Roxann Swanson's seat via appointment at its upcoming July 10 meeting. Swanson resigned in May to accept the city administrator's position.

All persons interested in being appointed to the council vacancy should submit a statement of interest via mail or personal delivery to City Hall by noon on July 10. Standard forms are available at the city office.

All interested persons are also requested to attend the council's regular meeting on July 10, when members will vote to fill the vacancy.

The term expires at the end of the year and will be on the November ballot.

Residents have the right to file a petition requiring that the vacancy be filled by special election. Any petition will need at least the number of signatures equal to fifteen (15) percent of the voters who voted for the candidate for the office of council member at the preceding regular election. According to Swanson, that number is 24.

If a petition requesting a special election is filed within 14 days after the appointment, the appointment is temporary, and the city council will be required to call a special election.

• Acquires downtown property

The council also added a dilapidated property to the city's portfolio last week.

Members unanimously voted to accept a quit claim deed for the building located at 170 S Central Ave. As part of the decision, the city released the judgment against owner Mary Rons for the building.

The structure, which formerly housed Create-A-Craft, was declared a dangerous building in 2019. Removal of mold, and repair and replacement of the roof and other areas of the building was not accomplished by Rons, so the city determined the building should be demolished.

Asbestos abatement at the property, which has a partially-collapsed roof, has been pegged at $28,855. Demolition expenses are estimated at $51,425.

In other business, the council hired Caleb Smith as an electric lineman. His wage was set at $24.50 per hour, with the stipulation of a 50-cent raise pending completion of a six-month probationary period.