Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
With two members absent, the Clintonville Common Council on July 14 failed to pass a motion intended to ensure it could enact decisions without a full council.
City ordinance requires a majority vote of the 10-member council to pass a measure. Alderman Steve Kettenhoven proposed changing the ordinance to a majority vote of the council members present.
Kettenhoven’s motion failed on a 4-4 vote. Gloria Dunlavy, Mary Beth Kuester, Jeannie Schley and Jim Krause voted against the proposal. Kettenhoven, Lois Bressette, Darrell Teal and Julie Stumbris voted in favor. Alderman Brad Rokus and Mayor Judith Magee were absent.
Stumbris said the council should accept few excuses for absences. Council members know when their meetings are held and should make sure they attend, she said.
The ordinance became an issue when a proposal to move ahead with a dog park failed despite 5-2 and 5-3 majority votes on April 14 and June 9, respectively.
Obtaining a six-member vote for any proposal could become even more difficult. District 3 Alderman John Wilson has asked to take a leave of absence due to illness. Anyone interested in filling in during his absence is asked to contact City Hall.