Nelsonville accepting applications for vacated seats

by Ben Grabow
Staff Writer

Two seats in the Nelsonville City Council have yet to be filled.

After two weeks, Council has yet to replace Councilman Thomas Steenrod. It also has been without a vice president since Bill Wend resigned his position last week.

Council is accepting applications for Steenrod's position until Feb. 5. Council clerk Susan Harmony said five applications have been turned in to date.

Interested applicants can apply at Nelsonville City Hall, 29 Fayette St. Any Nelsonville may apply for the position.

Council has until Feb. 15 to choose Steenrod's replacement. Should a replacement not be found, Council President Clinton Stanley would have 15 days to choose a replacement himself, City Manager Mark Fiorello said.

But Fiorello said Council should have a replacement by Feb. 12 because interviews should be finished by then.

Steenrod's absence leaves only six members on the council. The even number of members makes a tied vote within Council possible.

"I'd say it has affected things somewhat," Councilman Bill McKnight said.

Once Steenrod's position has been filled, Council will address the appointment of a new vice president. This position is offered only to the six eligible members of Council, except for Stanley, Fiorello said. As a result, a vice president cannot be appointed until Steenrod has been replaced.

Steenrod resigned his position at a council meeting Jan. 15. Wend resigned as vice president one week later, but will retain a position on Council. McKnight said he saw no connection between the two resignations.

Steenrod is no longer a Nelsonville resident and therefore cannot be on the council. Steenrod moved to be closer to his job in Columbus, McKnight said.

Wend resigned his position Jan. 22, citing conflicts with Stanley.