The Grass Valley City Council has elected to appoint the replacement to fill the vacant seat on the Council. The vacancy created by the resignation of Terry Lamphier. At last night’s council meeting, the council took approximately 20 minutes to discuss how the seat should be filled. The two options explained by City Manager Bob Richardson include holding a special election or appoint the replacement. Before discussion began Assitant Attorney Michael Cobden clarified the length of the term of the replacement.

Click here to listen to Michael Cobden

Council member Howard Levine opened the discussion in favor of an appointment process.

Click here to listen to Howard Levine

Council member Jan Arbuckle echoed Howard and referred to her own experience having been appointed to her first council.
Council member Lisa Swarthout was the only current council member when Arbucke was appointed and explained the public process that was used. Letters of interest were submitted during the application period; applications were vetted by the City Clerk to verify age, address, and if applicant was registered to vote; and then the interview process began.

Click here to listen to Lisa Swarthout

The only council member that was not in favor of an appointment was Mayor Jason Fouyer. He wanted to let the public choose- but the 18-20 thousand dollar price tag of a special election was too great. Fouyer was in favor of going to back to the election results from November.

Click here tolisten to Mayor Jason Fouyer

Jerri Glover was the third candidate in November.
After hearing public comment on the issue- most wanting a special election instead of an appointment-the council voted 3-1 to set up the appointment process. The Council has 60 days to complete the process or it will go to a special election.