Vermilion City Council approved five appointments to the city’s Charter Review Board during its meeting Wednesday, Jan. 28, while a nomination to appoint former mayor Jim Forthofer failed to advance after a tie vote.
Members first voted to separate the Charter Review Board nominations into individual motions rather than approving a full slate at once, allowing each candidate to be considered separately. The motion passed on a 6-0 vote.
Appointments for Bill McCourt and Karen Viterna were then approved, each by a 6-0 vote.
During discussion on eligibility, Mayor Russ Owens stated that members of the Charter Review Board cannot hold any official capacity with the city. City Clerk Melanie Wood confirmed that Viterna was no longer serving on the Parks and Recreation Board, making her eligible for appointment.
Later in the meeting, appointments for Dave Herzer and Brad Hawes were approved, each by a 6-0 vote.
A subsequent motion to appoint Forthofer drew extended discussion before failing on a 3-3 tie vote. The motion received yes votes from Greg Drew, Gary Howell and Jeff Lucas, and no votes from Drew Werley, Homer Taft and Alec Bonawit.
Councilman Homer Taft said it was not his intent to vote for the former mayor, stating that he believed the city charter “needs massive review” and that Forthofer’s perspective would not allow for the type of broad discussion Taft felt was necessary. Taft said he had concerns based on Forthofer’s views on charter issues over the past year and did not believe those views would “engender good discussion” during the review process.
Councilman Drew Werley also opposed the nomination, saying he was surprised to see Forthofer proposed and raising ethical concerns related to Forthofer’s time in office. Werley said he could not, in good faith, support appointing Forthofer to any position with the city, particularly one as significant as the Charter Review Board.
As part of his objection, Werley referenced past discussions involving the size and cost of the police station project, which he said illustrated misleading information being provided to members. Werley described that issue as one of multiple concerns and later said he could produce additional documentation if the matter were revisited.
Councilman Greg Drew asked Owens to explain his reasoning for nominating Forthofer. Owens said he was attempting to assemble a Charter Review Board that included a diversity of viewpoints and noted that he also wanted an attorney on the committee. Owens said Forthofer would bring a different perspective than other potential appointees.
After the Forthofer vote, members discussed filling the remaining open Charter Review Board seat. Discussion turned to former Clerk of Council Gwen Fisher, who served the city for 31 years and was present during the meeting. Fisher said she would accept the appointment if nominated. Members then voted to appoint Fisher to the Charter Review Board. The motion passed with six yes votes and one abstention, with Greg Drew abstaining.
The Charter Review Board is responsible for reviewing the city charter and making recommendations to council, including any proposed amendments that may ultimately be placed before voters.
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