By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Mona City Council member, Glenda Buchanan, who had been
in office just one year on Jan. 9, has resigned her seat on
the council effective immediately.
Buchanan and her husband moved to American Fork.
According to state code, if a council member establishes a
principal place of residence outside the municipality during
the term of office, the office is automatically vacant.
However, Buchanan tendered a letter of resignation to
the council and Mayor Bryce Lynn.
"Before making the appointment, the city council must
give at least two-weeks notice to the public that the
vacancy exists and invited those interested to apply for the
position," said Lynn.
Deadline for the replacement council member
applications was set for Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. All applicants for
the council position must have the application at the city
office no later than 5 p.m. on that date.
Council meeting will be held on Feb. 13 and the
council member could be sworn-in on that date.
Both the newly appointed council member, Aaron
Painter, and the replacement council member will need to run
for the seats during the city election in November. Council
members Rick Schnurr and Darlene Fowkes will be up for
re-election in November.
"If the office is vacated within the first two years
of the term an election is held for a two-year term to keep
the proper cycle," said Nila Keyte, Mona recorder.
Therefore, the council member appointed to replace Buchanan
will need to run on the ballot this coming November for a
two year term.
All council seats are for four years. Where both two
and four-year terms are to be filled by election or
appointment, the election ballot or appointment must clearly
state which persons are to be elected or appointed to the
shorter term and which to the longer term. Two-year terms
often occur when the office is vacated during the term.
Since municipal elections are held in the odd-numbered
years (01), the seats are staggered with three being elected
to four-years terms in one election and two being elected to
four-year terms in the next (03).
Mayor Bryce Lynn, and council members Rick Schnurr and
Darlene Fowkes are all up for election this November.
"Both of the new council members will need to run for
two-year terms this fall to keep the council on the
'staggered' cycle," said Keyte.
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