The City of Grover Beach has an exciting opportunity for residents to serve their community! Due to the newly vacated Council seat, the Grover Beach City Council is looking to appoint a new Council Member. All interested residents may apply, though those residents who live in District 3 are preferred. Those residents who wish to be considered must submit an application on the City’s website by April 14.
On March 13, former Mayor Pro Tem Anna Miller resigned from City Council due to a change in residency. During the March 27 Council meeting, the City Council provided direction for filling the vacant Council seat and Mayor Karen Bright appointed Council Member Robert Robert as Mayor Pro Tem through December 2023.
“Council Member Robert has demonstrated his passion for public service and dedication to our community since he joined the Council in 2020, and I am looking forward to what he will accomplish as Mayor Pro Tem,” said Grover Beach Mayor Karen Bright. “Alongside this transition, the Council is also eager to fill the vacant seat in District 3. If you value collaboration and want to make a positive impact in Grover Beach, we encourage you to apply.”
Following previous practices, the City Council decided to fill this vacancy by appointment instead of a special election during the March 27 Council meeting. A special election would have required additional time and funding.
Since the newly vacated Council seat is in District 3, the Council expressed a preference for applicants who reside in District 3. However, the Council determined that because the vacant seat was elected at large, all registered voters in Grover Beach who apply will be considered. All eligible Grover Beach residents are encouraged to apply for the remaining term of this Council seat that expires December 2024. Residents can see if they live in District 3 using the online interactive map.
The City Council will review all applications received by 5 p.m. on April 14 and will interview applicants during their meeting on April 24. Following the candidate interviews, the Council will make an appointment for the position. Once the appointment process is complete and the appointee takes the oath of office, the new Council Member will go through an orientation process with the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk and is encouraged to attend the League of California Cities New Mayors and Council Members Academy.
Council Members are expected to attend two regular Council meetings per month on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, with special meetings or workshops as needed. Additionally, they must serve on regional boards, commissions and subcommittees that typically meet once a month. Council Members have an important role in developing City policies, adopting ordinances and resolutions, making land use decisions and approving agreements and contracts. Grover Beach Council Members receive a stipend of $720 per month for their service and are eligible for health benefits.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact City Clerk Wendi Sims in the City Manager’s Office at (805) 473-4567 or wsims@groverbeach.org.