STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis City Council welcomed in four new council members Monday night.
Sworn in for three year terms were Nick Jones in Ward 1, Ruth Kopp in Ward 2, Jim Thompson in Ward 3 and Jesse Blakeman in Ward 4.
Selected as Council President was Kevin Forrester and new council member Ruth Kopp was nominated to serve as Vice President.
Shortly after the swearing in and council leadership vote, Councilor Ruth Kopp requested to again bring up Resolution 2024-32. However, because it had been passed during old business, City Attorney Mark Marshall informed Kopp it could not be brought back for discussion due to its passage. That led to a requested executive session from Councilor Jim Thompson. After more than an hour in executive session, the council emerged and went into the consent agenda.
The new council then held discussion on an ordinance that will allow for an election to fill a council or mayoral vacancy.
The ordinance follows the resignation of Mayor Mark Carstensen and the procedure taken in filling the vacancy.
The city had no ordinance in place allowing for a special election, therefore appointment by the City Council was the only option available.
The ordinance, if passed, will authorize the City to hold a special election to fill future vacant City Council or mayoral positions.
A first reading of the ordinance could be held at a future meeting.
Nick Jones
Ruth Kopp
Jim Thompson
Jesse Blakeman
