City Council Meeting Date: January 6, 2026
To: Mayor & City Council
From: Lynette Peterson, City Clerk
Ben Martig, City Administrator
Subject:
TITLE
Consideration of Election of President Pro Tem.
BODY
Action Requested:
Staff recommends a motion to consider the appointment of Councilor ______ as President Pro Tem for 2026.
Summary Report:
Section 3.9 of the City Charter states that “the council shall choose from its members a president pro tem who shall hold office at the pleasure of the council and shall serve as mayor in case of the mayor's absence or temporary disability.” Additionally, Section 2-57 of City Code states that “at the first meeting of the year Council shall choose a president pro tem.”
The primary duties are to fill in to chair a council meeting in the absence of the Mayor. There is a hyperlink in the attachments to other Mayoral duties called out within the City Charter and Code of Ordinances.
Staff will give a summary introduction to the topic as outlined in the memo for public awareness. The Mayor will entertain a motion for a nomination. Any Councilor wishing to make a motion to consider appointment may raise their hand until identified by the Mayor to make the motion. A second will be required. Thereafter, any discussion on the nomination may be made. The motion must pass by a majority vote.
The President Pro Tem will take office immediately after election of all officers is completed as there are no special bylaw provisions for a later date to take office.
The following are the President Pro Tem for the last ten years:
2025 Councilor Sokup
2024 Councilor Holmes
2023 Councilor Zuccolotto
2022 Councilor Reister
2021 Councilor Peterson White
2020 Councilor Grabau
2019 Councilor Ness
2018 Councilor Nakasian
2017 Councilor Peterson White
2016 Councilor Ludescher
Since 2017, the City has been practicing an annual rotation of City Council members to serve based on the most years of service. In cases of equal service years the City Council has determined the appointment as a group. Councilor Beumer and Councilor Dahlen have not served in the role previously. If a similar rotation were conducted again they could potentially be brought forward for the role.
Alternative Options:
Council may discuss or make motions to nominate particular members of the Council to fill the position.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
City Code Sec. 2-57 states that at the first meeting of the year Council shall choose a president pro tem.