STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis City Council on Monday night chose a person to fill out the remainder of Preston Williams term in Ward 3, although it didn’t come without some controversy.
In opening remarks, City Attorney Erik Miller informed the council that Mayor Amanda Wilkerson would be allowed to vote for the new council member, and that didn’t set well with Alderman Jim Thompson, who was under the impression only the seven councilors would be voting.
Attorney Miller says he interpreted state law as giving the mayor permission to vote under the new form of government in Sturgis.
After more than 45 minutes of heated discussion, Mayor Wilkerson said she would abstain from the vote if that’s what the council wanted. Alderman Thompson introduced a motion to only allow the seven council members to vote and it was approved on a vote of 5-2 with Mike Bachand and Nick Jones voting no.
The council then heard from three candidates seeking the seat. A fourth candidate, Francie Ganje-Severson, informed the council she was withdrawing from consideration.
After the vote, Don Lanpher was chosen to fill the seat on a 6-1 vote. Lanpher was then sworn in.
Also last night, the council decided to table until a special meeting next week several sponsorship agreement renewals, lease agreements and license agreement renewals.
Council President Kevin Forester requested they be moved so more time could be taken to review the contracts.
