2019 City Council Appointment

City Council Vacancy

The City of Wilsonville is accepting applications from eligible candidates with a desire to serve on the Wilsonville City Council.

Why is there a vacancy?

On May 30, 2019, Councilor Susie Stevens announced her resignation from the Wilsonville City Council, effective June 30, 2019.  The applicant appointed to fill the vacant seat would serve the remainder of her term, through Dec. 31, 2020.

How is a vacancy filled?

According to Chapter VII, Section 30 of the City Charter, “vacancies in elective offices of the city shall be filled by appointment by a majority of the incumbent membership of the Council.”

By what process will the Council make the appointment?

On June 3, the City Council agreed on the framework of a process.  An application, including selection criteria and eligibility requirements, is to be posted online for a period of at least 30 days.  After the deadline, eligible applications are vetted by Mayor Knapp and Council President Kristin Akervall to yield a short list of final candidates.  The Council will interview finalists to identify a preferred candidate to be appointed by Council vote.

What criteria are Mayor Knapp and Councilor President Akervall using to evaluate candidates?

Page Two of the Application for Appointment includes a list of considerations, including a demonstrated commitment to the community through prior service, an understanding of and commitment to the responsibilities of a Councilor and a commitment to principles of Good Government.

Who is eligible to apply for service on City Council?

The Wilsonville City Council is a non-partisan body. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. Citizens, registered voters, and Wilsonville residents for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the appointment date. No person shall hold an elected office of the City if the person is an employee of the City.  

What steps must applicants take to be considered?

  • Candidates must meet eligibility requirements above.
  • Application must be completed and signed. 
  • Application must be received by City Recorder by 5 pm on Monday, July 22.

Note: Members of the City Council are required to file an annual Statement of Economic Interest with the State of Oregon.

What does the City Council do?

Responsibilities of the City Council include identifying problems and needs within the community and establishing community goals and objectives to meet those needs. Council members represent the City's interests regionally and participate in planning and budgeting.

What time commitment is required of City Council members?

Typically, the City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month. Other meetings, including Budget Committee Meetings, also occur periodically. Preparation for regular meetings requires familiarity with staff reports and appendices that are included in the packet of information provided to Councilors in advance of each meeting. Councilors typically have other responsibilities as City ambassadors, including representing the City on additional boards or committees and participation at public meetings, grand openings and events. 

Timeline:

June 21: Application Period Opens

July 22:  Applications must be received by City Recorder by 5 pm.

TBD: City Recorder forwards valid applications to Mayor Knapp and Councilor President Akervall.

TBD:  Finalists notified, list posted by City

TBD: City Council to conduct interviews with finalists.

TBD: Preferred candidate to be appointed by a majority vote of City Council.

Dec. 31, 2020: Expiration of Term