H2. 2024 appointments in seats for Ward 1 and 2
City of Kalispell
st
201 1 Ave E. P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
(406) 758-7000 Fax (406)7757
REPORT TO: Mayor Johnson and Kalispell City Council
FROM: Doug Russell, City Manager
SUBJECT: Tentative- Appointment to vacated seats in Wards 1 and 2
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2024
BACKGROUND: If the previous agenda item on March 4 is acted upon, there will now be
vacancies in Council seats in Wards 1 and 2, subject to the February 16 ruling from District
Court that set aside the elections for Ward 1 and Ward 2 of the City of Kalispell municipal
election. If we received clarification from the Court of the County Attorneys office that these
seats remain occupied by the current council members until the next election is held, action to fill
these seats is unnecessary.
Assuming we do have vacancies, in accordance with State Law, the City Council has 30 days to
appoint replacements to these seats:
7-4-4112. Filling of vacancy. (1) When a vacancy occurs in any elective office, this position is
considered open and subject to nomination and election at the next general municipal election in
the same manner as the election of any other person holding the same office, except the term of
office is limited to the unexpired term of the person who originally created the vacancy. Pending
an election and qualification, the council shall, by a majority vote of the members, appoint a
person within 30 days of the vacancy to hold the office until a successor is elected and qualified.
There is no prescribed methodology for the filling of these seats. It is up to Council discretion.
RECOMMENDATION: If applicable, it is recommended that Council move forward with
appointments to fill the vacant seats in Wards 1 and 2 until successors are elected and qualified.