|
Forest Lake City Councilman Bogotty reinstated |
|
|
|
Wednesday, 13 February 2008 |
Jennifer Larson
Times Staff Writer
Just two weeks after the Forest Lake City Council declared Bo Bogotty’s seat vacant, the first-term elected official assumed his position during their regular meeting on Feb. 11.
Instead of appointing a temporary replacement on Monday, the council adopted a resolution reinstating Bogotty.
The councilman suffered a severe stroke in September and had been in a rehabilitation facility until recently. By law, the council can appoint a temporary replacement 90 days after Bogotty attended his last meeting. The seat was declared vacant during their Jan. 28 meeting.
The replacement would have served on an interim basis, giving up the seat if Bogotty was able to resume his duties. The council held a special meeting Monday evening before their regular one to narrow down the field of 14 candidates who interviewed for Bogotty’s seat to just one.
After two rounds of voting, the top candidates were Chris Sloneker and Ray Daninger. Council members Judy Bull, Greg Ochs and Susan Young commented that Daninger, a former Mayor of Forest Lake for 10 years, has the experience to be appointed for a short-term.
“I’d personally like to see some fresh blood,” said Mayor Stev Stegner. His choices to fill Bogotty’s seat were Jackie McNamara and Cameron Piper.
Young stated that as a “polluted person,” referring to a comment made by Stegner about long-term public servants, it takes at least three to four months on the council to become acquainted with policy and procedure.
“I’m expecting that this will be a very short time,” she added.
Bull’s question of what happens if Bogotty does not maintain attendance went unanswered by attorney Dave Hebert.
According to City Clerk Chantal Doriott, Bogotty is expected to attend the council’s regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of every month. In addition, he must attend the council workshop the third Monday of the month and the regular Park Board meeting the third Tuesday of every month.
|
