TOWN STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
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Consideration of and action to accept the resignation of Council Member Tim Shiner from the Westlake Town Council
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STAFF: Wade Carroll, Town Manager
BACKGROUND:
Council Member Tim Shiner submitted a letter of resignation from the Town Council on May 16, 2024. The Town Council of a Type A General Law City shall accept the resignation or if the resignation has not been accepted by Town Council within eight days of receipt, it is automatic.
DISCUSSION:
Today, the Town Council shall consider acceptance of Tim Shiner’s request for resignation. After referencing Texas Municipal Code, the Council has two option to move forward if the resignation is accepted, or if no vote is taken and the resignation is made automatic eight (8) days after a written resignation is received.
The Town Council may follow the same process utilized to fill previous vacancies. This process will include communication of vacancy to all residents, an application posted online and that must be submitted to the Town Secretary within a specific time frame provided. The Town Council would then review applications and make an appointment by majority vote. As in all other Council votes, the Mayor would only be allowed to vote in the event of a tie. This appointed member will serve until the next election which will be held May 3, 2025.
Town Council could call another Special Election however the burden of the expense would fall solely on the Town for the election unless it was held in conjunction with another entity’s election. All applicants must meet the same requirements to run for a Town Council position. (Must be of 18 years of age, a registered voter, and must have lived in Westlake for the past 12 months.)
Council Could also choose to not fill the vacancy and wait to have the position filled at the May 3, 2025 election. If this route is chosen the Council would continue to operate as it does today but with four (4) regular members and a mayor. Any item before Council would still require a minimum of three (3) votes to pass and three (3) Council members would be required as a quorum to hold all meetings.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If appointed, no extra costs would be incurred other than staff time. There could be costs incurred at the next General Election as a Special Election will be required.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Council accept by motion the resignation of Tim Shiner.
ATTACHMENT(S):
• Tim Shiner Resignation Letter
TOWN COUNCIL ACTION/OPTIONS:
1) Motion to accept the resignation of Tim Shiner, as presented.
2) Motion to amend with the following stipulations (please state stipulations in motion)
3) Motion to table
4) Motion to deny