University Heights City Council to appoint new mayor

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS — The University Heights City Council will appoint a new mayor next month rather than hold a special election, the council decided Thursday night.

Council members accepted Mayor Wally Heitman's resignation during the special council meeting and decided to appoint a new mayor at its Feb. 14 council meeting.

Whoever is appointed will serve out the rest of Heitman's term, through Dec. 31 of this year.

Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Zimmermann will fill the mayor's role until a new mayor is appointed.

Residents can petition to force a special election. The petition would need at least 69 signatures and would have to be submitted to the city clerk within two weeks, or within 14 days of the planned appointment.

Council member Silvia Quezada pushed back on the council's decision to appoint someone to the vacancy, saying council members should vote in a way that reflects residents' interests.

'The candidate should reflect the will and consensus of the 2015 election,' Quezada said.

Those interested in the position — including current members of the council — can submit applications and statements to the city clerk by 5 p.m. Feb. 7.

If a council member is appointed mayor, council members would go through the same process to fill the vacancy on the council — either with an appointment or a special election.

A special election would cost the city around $1,500, according to City Attorney Steve Ballard.

In his resignation, Heitman cited personal reasons that hinder his ability to 'adequately carry out my responsibilities as mayor.'

Council member Mike Haverkamp offered appreciation for Heitman's accomplishments as mayor, including securing the Community Center in One University Place as a meeting place for the council.

Zimmermann also commended the former mayor commendation, saying he was 'a great servant to the community.'

Heitman had hinted at stepping down in October after being involved in a public records dispute with council member Quezada.

The dispute led to the removal of Quezada as chairwoman of the zoning and sanitation committee and the adoption of a new public records policy by the city.

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