WATERVILLE — The city is looking for two new city councilors to fill vacancies created by the resignations of Councilors Mike Morris, D-Ward 1, who has moved out of his ward, and Rick Foss, R-Ward 5, who is moving to Winslow.
Councilor Mike Morris, D-Ward 1, listens Oct. 1, 2019, during a Waterville City Council meeting. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel file
The City Council voted 6-0 on Tuesday to declare vacancies in the two wards.
Morris’ seat is to be filled for the remainder of his term, set to expire in 2024, at a special municipal election scheduled for Nov. 8.
The council also voted to set the Nov. 8 special election.
City Clerk Patti Dubois said a special municipal election must be called on the same day as the next municipal election, unless the election is more than six months after the declaration of a vacancy.
Since Morris’ resignation was effective July 1 and the vacancy was declared July 19, the special election for the remainder of his term is to be held Nov. 8, which is within the six-month period.
A special election is required because the term for Ward 1 is set to expire in 2024, and the election for the seat will be for a two-year term. Candidates who are elected by special election can take their seats immediately after the City Council canvasses the votes.
Foss’ resignation is effective July 31, and Tuesday’s council meeting was his last. His seat is to be filled for the remainder of the term, set to expire in 2022, at the special election Nov. 8.
The regular three-year term is also to be filled at the regular municipal election Nov. 8. The same person can run both for both ward seats, according Dubois.
The city charter requires that within 30 days of a declaration of a vacancy, the council must set a date for a special election to be held on the same day as the next municipal election, unless that election is more than six months after the declaration of vacancy.
The remainder of Morris’ term is two years and Foss’ is two months, so the special election need be held to fill those vacancies.
Morris’ last council meeting was in June.
On Tuesday, councilors and City Manager Steve Daly commended Foss for his work on the council and said he would be missed.
Council Chair Rebecca Green, D-Ward 4, thanked him for always advocating for conversations among councilors and in the community.
“I think that’s one of the things I’ll remember you for, as well as your love for Waterville,” she said.
Foss said being on the council had been “a blast.”
“Thank you for the opportunity, Ward 5, first of all,” he said. “Thank you and all the citizens of Waterville for allowing me to sit here. It’s been fun.”
Mayor Jay Coelho presented Foss with a Waterville Purple Panthers T-shirt.
In other matters, councilors voted to approve a hazardous materials mitigation plan for Kennebec County. The plan is required by federal law for the city to be eligible for environmental-related funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to Daly.
The council also voted to appoint Code Enforcement Officer Dan Bradstreet as public health officer until an organization or another person is identified to fill that role.
Anna Holdener of the South End Neighborhood Association announced the South End Festival is to return this year and be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Green Street Park.
The event is expected to feature a food cart from a local church, music, games, a bounce house, popcorn, ice cream and other treats.
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