(Okoboji)– A public hearing to consider an appointment to fill a vacancy on the council created by the resignation of Sue Larson drew some heat at Tuesday’s Okoboji city council meeting.
A standing room crowd heard five residents, who expressed interest to be named to the position. Those speaking on their own behalf were Walter Mendenhall, Steve Dulin, Butch Parks, Barry Sackett and Debbie Parks.
When a vacancy occurs, state law requires a city fill the position within 40 days.
A lively debate took place among the crowd as the council wrestled with either an appointment or deferring to a special election where any interested citizen could obtain a nominating petition and be placed on a special election ballot.
On the second nominating roll call the council voted 4-0 to appoint Steve Dulin to the council vacancy. He was sworn in and began his service immediately.
Meanwhile, the possibility of someone filing a petition calling for a special election still exists, but there’s a limited time in which to do that under state law.
