HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial City Council Minutes 09.25.2007MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL
September 25, 2007
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, was held in the
Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Ken Olson at 6:30 p.m. on September 25, 2007.
coUNcIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Emelie Eaton
Kate Hart
Gay Easton
Vacant
Doug Poehls
Mark Mace
Chuck Dickerson
Norm Stamper
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
OTHER STAFF PRESENT:
Mary Embleton
Sam Painter
Steve Klotz
Scott Wilm
James Caniglia
Jan Faught
Kurt Markegard
Jean Kerr
OTHERS PRESENT:
Alex Wilkins
Lisa Scribner
Steve Zeier
Mayor Olson explained the process for the appointment of the Ward 4 Council Member.
Mayor Olson introduced the two applicants: Lisa Scribner and Alex Wilkins.
APPOINTMENT OF WARD 4 COUNCIL MEMBER:
· Candidates address the council
Alex Wilkins, 524 Elm Avenue, has lived in Laurel for four and one-half years and was previously
stationed with the Air Force in Great Falls. He grew up in a political family and would like to
become more involved in the city. Alex stated that he is interested in the seat and would be honored
to have the council's recommendation.
Lisa Scribner, 917 Cottonwood Avenue, stated that last Tuesday was her forty-eighth birthday and
she has been voting for thirty years. Lisa stated that she is not a politician, does not have an agenda,
and she saw an opportunity to serve her city. She has been educating herself on the many city issues
and felt a need to stand up or shut up. Lisa thanked the council for its consideration and stated that
she would appreciate their vote.
The council ballots were distributed at this time. Mayor Olson asked the council members to mark
their choice and sign the ballot.
Council Member Eaton requested an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates. Mayor Olson
agreed and asked the council for questions.
Council Member Eaton asked both candidates how much time they felt they could commit to the
position.
Alex Wilkins stated that he would devote as much time as it takes, probably ten to fifteen hours per
week, not including whatever he needs to work on at home.
Lisa Scribner stated that, since her political career started four weeks ago, she has been at every city
council meeting and workshop. She would plan to attend all council meetings and workshops and
devote as much time as needed to the issues. Lisa stated her plans to file for write-in candidacy for
the November ballot if she is elected this evening.
Council Member Easton asked Mr. Wilkins regarding his employment and whether he worked days
or nights. Alex stated that he works primarily days, his job is quite flexible, his work varies with
customer requirements, and he typically works twenty-eight to thirty-four hours a week.
Council Member Mace asked regarding the situation with the write-in candidacy, what it has to do
with this council seat, and how it works after Election Day.
Special Council Minutes of September 25, 2007
Mayor Olson stated that the City of Laurel petitioned to the Election Department for a mail-in
election this year. Mr. Wilkins filed for election but Ms. Scribner had not decided to run at that
time. The ballots will have one name on them. Duane Winslow, the Election Officer, recently
indicated that a write-in candidate would be allowed until a certain date. Norm Stamper filed for the
four-year term in Ward 4. Alex Wilkins filed for the two-year term in Ward 4, which is the current
vacant council position.
Ms. Scribner stated that she spoke to Duane Winslow. She has a declaration of intent for a write-in
candidate and the deadline to file is in October. According to Mr. Winslow, Mr. Stamper applied for
reelection on the May 31st and Mr. Wilkins applied on Jm~e 26th. Both of their names will be on the
ballot, but Lisa's name will not be on the ballot. Voters would have to write her name on the ballot.
Council Member Dickerson asked regarding Ms. Scribner's intentions to run as a write-in candidate
if she is not elected tonight.
Ms. Scribner stated that she has a small window of time to decide whether or not she would like to
mn as a write-in candidate. Since her name would not appear on the ballot, she would have to meet
and greet, knock on doors, pass out flyers, and devote more time and energy to this, which she is
willing to do, depending on the situation.
Council Member Stamper asked regarding the need to declare funds used for campaigning at the
time of filing. He stated that candidates could refile later if the situation changes. He questions if
Ms. Scribner would have the opportunity to campaign and whether Mr. Wilkins declared the use of
funds for campaigning.
Sam Painter stated that candidates are constrained by State law and nothing can change that. The
issue could be researched further.
· Council ballot vote
At this time, Mayor Olson asked the council to proceed with the voting.
Council Member Poehls gathered the ballots and gave them to Mayor Olson.
Mayor Olson read the ballots, Sam Painter attested the ballots, and the council secretary recorded the
votes. Emelie Eaton voted for Lisa Scribner; Kate Hart voted for Alex Wilkins; Gay Easton voted
for Alex Wilkins; Norm Stamper voted for Alex Wilkins; Chuck Dickerson voted for Alex Wilkins;
Mark Mace voted for Alex Wilkins; and Doug Poehls voted for Alex Wilkins. Mayor Olson stated
that the vote was six votes for Alex Wilkins and one vote for Lisa Scribner.
· Mayor administers Oath of Office to successful candidate
Mayor Olson asked Alex Wilkins to go to the front of the council chambers for the swearing-in
ceremony. Mayor Olson administered the Oath of Office to Alex Wilkins and Mr. Wilkins signed
the Oath of Office. Mayor Olson congratulated Mr. Wilkins and thanked the council and all who
participated in the process.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the council at this time, the meeting was adjourned at
6:50 p.m.
Cindy Allen,~Secretary
Approved by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, this 2nd day
of October, 2007.
tJ~/'meth E. Olson, Jr., ~
Attest:
Mary K./flr~bleton, Clerk-Treasurer