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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 02 Mayor Vacancy Process AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 10/19/2020 Meeting Type: Work Session/Reg. Mtg Staff Contact/Dept.: Mary Bridget Smith/CAO Staff Phone No: 541-744-4061 Estimated Time: 30 Minutes/20 Minutes S P R I N G F I E L D C I T Y C O U N C I L Council Goals: Mandate ITEM TITLE: MAYOR VACANCY PROCESS ACTION REQUESTED: Work Session: Discuss the process for deliberating, nominating and voting on the Interim Mayor Appointment and term. Regular Session: Deliberate, nominate, appoint and administer the oath of office for the appointed Interim Mayor of Springfield. ISSUE STATEMENT: Mayor Lundberg resigned August 15, 2020 and the Council is obligated to appoint an Interim Mayor consistent with the Springfield Charter. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Council Briefing Memorandum Attachment 2: Christine Lundberg Resignation Letter Attachment 3: Responses to Questions – Councilor Stoehr Attachment 4: Responses to Questions – Councilor Pishioneri Attachment 5: Response to Questions – Councilor Moore Attachment 6: Response to Questions – Councilor VanGordon DISCUSSION/ FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Council has decided to appoint an Interim Mayor from among interested sitting Councilors. Those Councilors have submitted written answers to questions for the Council’s consideration. The appointment must occur by a majority vote. The vacancy has created an unusual situation in that the current term will end and a new term will start in January of 2021. The Council could decide to appoint an Interim Mayor for the current term and then when making their appointment for the next term, it could decide to appoint the same or a different person for the next term. Any Council vacancy created by the Interim Mayor appointment must be filled consistent with the Springfield Charter, which is the same as the Mayor vacancy. For the purposes of tonight’s discussion, the Council is being asked to discuss the procedural aspects in the work session and deliberate in the regular session. M E M O R A N D U M City of Springfield Date: 10/19/2020 To: Nancy Newton, City Manager COUNCIL From: Mary Bridget Smith, City Attorney BRIEFING Subject: Mayor Vacancy Process MEMORANDUM ISSUE: Mayor Lundberg resigned August 15, 2020 and the Council is obligated to appoint an Interim Mayor consistent with the Springfield Charter. COUNCIL GOALS/ MANDATE: Council Goals: Mandate BACKGROUND: The purpose of this memo is to provide the procedural aspects of appointing an Interim Mayor. 1. Council Direction Summary. The Council has been discussing the process for filling the vacancy created when Christine Lundberg submitted her resignation. They decided by consensus to appoint an Interim Mayor from among current council members and their deliberation would incorporate interested candidate’s answers to four written questions. The questions were similar to a set used by a previous Council when Mayor Leiken was elected County Commissioner. 2. Charter and Procedure Requirements. The Charter requires a majority of the Council to appoint an interim Mayor Process. This means that the Council must vote to appoint a regular session and the Interim Mayor must receive at least 4 out the 6 possible votes. 3. Term. This vacancy has created an unusual situation in that the current term will end and a new term will start in January 2021. The Council could make a decision to appoint someone for the current term and then when making their appointment for the new term in January, they have the option to appoint the same or a different person. If there is a gap in the time from when the current term ends in January and the Council appoints an Interim Mayor for the new term, the Council President will assume the duties of Mayor. Note that consistent with Charter requirements, the Council is due to appoint the next Council President at the January 4, 2021 regular session meeting. 4. Voting. The successful candidate must receive a majority of the votes (4 out 6). If the vote is tied, the Council keeps voting until they reach a majority. Voting on a nomination is somewhat different from voting to approve a motion. The following sets out the process for voting.  Hold a vote for each Councilor who submitted answers to the written questions to the City Manager’s Office. The order of voting can be done by the following options: o Option 1: Council nominates candidates and vote occurs in the order nominations are received. Nominations do not need a ‘second’. o Option 2: Vote in order the written responses were submitted to the City Manager’s Office. Attachment 1, Page 1 of 2 MEMORANDUM 10/19/2020 Page 2  If no one candidate receives a majority in the first round, Council can narrow the candidates with the following options: o Option 1: Drop candidate with least votes and revote o Option 2: Instant run off of the two nominees who receive the most votes RECOMMENDED ACTION: Determine term, deliberate and appoint an Interim Mayor by majority vote. Attachment 1, Page 2 of 2 CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, OREGON Office of the Mayor 225 FIFTH STREET SPRINGFIELD, OR 97477 541.726.3700 www.springfield-or.gov August 15, 2020 Springfield City Council & City of Springfield, I am writing today to announce that I am stepping down as mayor of Springfield, Oregon effective immediately. I make this decision with a heavy heart. The role of mayor has been an enormous honor. Springfield is such a wonderful community. I have always felt blessed to serve as your mayor. Currently, I need to take some time for myself and my family. I have complete confidence that the city council will make the best decisions on behalf of the residents of Springfield and continue Springfield’s reputation for practical, pragmatic and common sense approaches to the overwhelming issues we are facing. Thank you for allowing me to serve. Blessing to all, Christine Lundberg Attachment 2, Page 1 of 1 This form must be submitted to the City Manager’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020 Submissions via email may be sent to aripka@springfield-or.gov Name: 1. How do you see the Mayors role in addressing current challenges and supporting council priorities? 2. Why do you want to be Mayor? 3. What strengths do you bring to the position? 4. What makes you the most qualified candidate? Attachment 3, Page 1 of 1 This form must be submitted to the City Manager’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020 Submissions via email may be sent to aripka@springfield-or.gov Name: 1. How do you see the Mayors role in addressing current challenges and supporting council priorities? 2. Why do you want to be Mayor? 3. What strengths do you bring to the position? 4. What makes you the most qualified candidate? Attachment 4, Page 1 of 1 I see the role of our Mayor as one that is the guiding force keeping our elected officials focused on our council goals. Affordable housing, economic development,transportation systems, core services, and most importantly in these challenging times, a safe and healthy environment where ALL of our residents feel safe and welcomed. A safe and healthy environment cannot be exclusive. We must be, without exception, inclusive. This is not the case today, we must work hard to get there. I realize needed changes will not be easy nor popular for some. Communication is key if we have any chance at all. I will advocate for immediate dialog that is not empty, but creates change. I recognize our entire city and our people have been heavily impacted by the covid19 pandemic. That is the only path in order to be healthy community. The people of Springfield are very strong and resilient. But, we all must remain focused in getting to "the other side" of all of these issues. I am confident we will, one way or the other. I want Springfield to continue to be a city of choices. A city that grows, where residents can live a safe and healthy lifestyle. We have seen unrest in our community never seen before. We are off balance, it hurts and it needs to end. To deny that we are not would be sticking our head in the sand. We need action now, we need to let our residents see action, something that is tangible. With so much at stake, I believe that continuity of leadership and vision is absolutely critical. I know I possess the skills to help guide us back to stability for everyone. It has been a privilege to serve as a City Councilor (with a brief exception) since 2004. Springfield has seen tremendous growth and increased vibrancy especially our downtown area. It is the result of vision, team building and hard work moving towards actual results that can be seen and experienced. I plan to continue that progress where everyone benefits by providing seamless continuity and continue the drive in that direction. I have and will always seek out what the public truly wants. I am a person that does not look for ways to or attempt to "self profit" through policy decisions or rule changes. I always listen to what our residents want. After all, is that not the job of every elected official? I take that charge very seriously. In every single policy decision I have been part of, I ask what has been the public input? How will this affect others? I am able to utilize the expertise of staff and their recommendations and apply a balance of what the community needs. I am truly goal focused and I am not afraid of challenges or to set obtainable goals. There are times when some may disagree with where I stand on some matters. However, they know I have in my heart what is best for Springfield. I am involved on many boards, committees and commissions. Tourism industry, environmental protection air/water quality, economic development downtown Glenwood, wildfire economic recovery, public safety, and local/regional transportation systems development. I have been described as being a very pragmatic, caring, detail orientated decision-maker. I know how to listen, regardless whether or not it is one citizen or a group of citizens, and I always try to make them feel heard. I am willing to acknowledge that what I hear may not be enjoyable, but it is more important for that person or group of people to be heard rather than ignored. I work well with others by, maintaining relationships with the business community, families, schools, Springfield's diverse population, and other elected officials working towards combined strategies we all care about. I have extensive experience dealing with a myriad of Springfield's issues. Past, present and future. I helped Springfield develop and execute a fiscal plan on how to navigate our way through the massive economic crash of 2008. The pandemic economic crash is very similar and my experience will play a major role to recovery. It's all about having the ability to see the big picture. Joe Pishioneri Sheri Moore 1.How do you see the Mayor’s role in addressing current challenges and supporting council priorities? COVID19: Continue to support and communicate state guidelines for a safe community. Look for ways to promote and support business and our unemployed citizens. Be creative in ways to help our unhoused community through the winter. Join with TEAM Springfield members to promote JOY through healthy activities for our citizens as we go into winter. PROTESTS: Form a citizen/police review board that would provide a place for citizen complaints to be heard, to review current police policies and practices, and to make recommendations for innovative ways to deal with policing issues. As a city deal with social injustice. HOUSING: Review transitional housing models that work and engage nonprofits and citizens in housing solutions. COMMUNICATION: Establish neighborhood groups based on Wards with councilors as liaisons to promote citizen participation. A place for citizens to engage, to hear about their city at work and to bring problems and possible solutions to the council. Establish a community that listens to one another and feels heard by government. CITY CHARTER: We have heard recently about the limitations of our city charter in responding to the current selection process for a Mayor. Therefore, I would advocate for a citizen and staff committee to review our city charter on this and other issues and bring forth revisions to be voted upon by the community. 2. Why do you want to be Mayor? We have so much potential as a city. I would offer leadership that would engage citizen participation. I have a vision for what Springfield can be. A community that is working together to benefit everyone. Attachment 5, Page 1 of 2 3. What strengths do you bring to the position? I have ten years of experience serving the community and working with an amazing city staff and employees. I know of Springfields strengths and weaknesses. I own a small business which has been impacted by Covid19. I own property and served on the Planning Commission prior to being on the City Council. I have an appreciation for the complexity of Oregon’s Land Use laws and impacts on development. I am the adoptive mother of a child of color. I know that racial inequity exists in our community. I support the Diversity and Equity committee of our employees and the First Friday, Communities of Color events. I also support Downtown Languages and SAFER, Springfield Alliance for Equity and Respect. For many years the HATE FREE ZONE sign has been at my front door. I want all of Springfield to become a HATE FREE ZONE. 4. What makes you the most qualified candidate? I have a Master’s Degree in education and taught for over 20 years. That gave me years of experience in conflict resolution. i ask questions. I am a problem solver. I would be a collaborative mayor that would work with the council and keep them informed. Because my seat will be filled by the winning candidate on Nov. 3, the council would not need to appoint another councilor. I would not run for mayor in the next election as an incumbent. I am a person of faith which requires me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Attachment 5, Page 2 of 2 This form must be submitted to the City Manager’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020 Submissions via email may be sent to ​aripka@springfield-or.gov Name: Sean VanGordon I ask that my application be considered for serving the 2 year portion of former Mayor Lunberg’s term starting in January 2021. 1.How do you see the Mayor's role in addressing current challenges and supporting council priorities? Springfield is at a crossroads. We face the most numerous and complex challenges since the turn of the century. The council must address; structural reform, multiple crises stemming from 2020, and our vision for the community. The mayor and council have a working partnership. Together, they represent and serve the public’s interest as a collective body. A good council and mayor rely on trust and candid communication to respond to community needs. In 2021, we will have new councilors, and we will need to go through a goal setting process. We need to build a council-mayor relationship that empowers councilors to achieve their goals. As a council leadership team, we need to be clearer about laying out an agenda schedule that allows issues to move forward. The council should keep a plan to post meetings on-line even when we return to chambers. And, we need to find more ways to communicate with engaged citizens. The City of Springfield and the community of Springfield face numerous overlapping challenges; COVID-19, lost homes, lost businesses, and job insecurity. It is important to not just express our sympathy and compassion for people impacted - we must act. As mayor and council, we cannot lose sight of the COVID crisis including disparate impacts on communities of color. Our community's willingness to take precautions to reduce risk is the critical work that supports the opening of our schools and our businesses. We are all exhausted by the toll that COVID has taken, and we must carry on until this crisis passes. Economic recovery is critical. Springfield has always had an open for business culture and attitude. As mayor, I would act as a strong voice for regional economic growth, and for business support in a challenging business environment. Attachment 6, Page 1 of 3 Police issues will remain a significant conversation the next several years. As mayor, I would pursue the Blue Ribbon Commission on equity that former Mayor Lundberg advocated for. I would support work sessions around police policy to ensure that council, police, and the community were engaged. We need to be more transparent with work the police are doing including publishing policies like use of body cameras online. As a community, we can’t continue to live our lives in the crises that 2020 has brought to us. We need to address them, and move forward. Prior to the pandemic, we had goals and a vision for the city. While we continue to work through challenges of 2020, the Council needs to make time to discuss it’s vision for the community. It is important that we don’t lose sight of our mission/vision project, Glenwood, Economic Development, downtown, our art scene, housing, and more. 2.Why do you want to be Mayor? The reality is, this isn’t about me. It is about what type of community that we want 50 years from now. Our children will grow up in a world that is chaotic and global. Their future is going to be pressured by everything from automation to globalization to changing job markets. I want our children to choose to live here, and raise their families here. Springfield has to be competitive, forward thinking and we need to show why our community is distinct. Creating distinction will take work and engagement from all of us. As mayor, I want to spend time on the projects that will create the foundation for the next fifty years. To me, it includes things like high speed fiber, an urban forestry program, partnerships around career and technical education, and an early learning partnership with the library. 3.What strengths do you bring to the position? Leadership, experience, and perspective are all strengths that I can bring to the office of Mayor. As a leader, my strengths are flexibility, trust, accessibility, and communication. Throughout 2020, we have all learned a hard lesson in the importance of flexibility. Flexibility allows me to work through issues with people, and help people find the win-win in a situation. Across the community, I am considered accessible to all sides of a political spectrum regardless of whether you agree with me. I have made myself available to people in the community by providing my direct number, meeting for coffee, one off phone calls, facebook messenger and meetings. I believe in the value of relationships. Communication is key to building trust in the community. I love talking about Springfield, and take great pride in explaining where we are going. I bring a combination of 20 years of private and public leadership experience to the table. In the private sector, I lead the Industrial Engineering Group for UnitedHealthCare, and work with new technologies. I lead a team of 43 people from diverse locations like India and Ireland. As a city councilor, I have relationships with many elected officials and business owners in the community. I have also served on a majority of the boards and commissions that the City participates in. Attachment 6, Page 2 of 3 I believe in our community being successful. I am committed to my goals, and willing to be adaptable in achieving them. I recognize in a community of 60,000 there will be different perspectives and different ways to move forward. 4.What makes you the most qualified candidate? I believe that I bring several unique qualifications to the candidate pool that are worth considering. I have a wide base of support across the city, and I am considered accessible by a variety of groups even when we don’t agree politically. I am proud of that distinction, and it would be critical to being successful as Mayor. Our responsibility to the voters is to work towards the platform that Mayor Lundberg ran on in her last campaign. I am excited about the direction Springfield is going, and look forward to bringing my own leadership and communication style to the role. I am a forward thinking leader, and will adopt changes that modernize how the council/mayor work with the public. Attachment 6, Page 3 of 3