(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett, Wednesday (Sept. 3rd), took time during a regular meeting of the Atlantic City Council, to address the resignation announced this past week, of At-Large Councilman Gerald Brink, whose resignation due to health concerns, was official as of Monday, Sept. 1st.

The Council then discussed how to proceed with filling the vacancy. City Administrator John Lund has stated that because the Iowa League of Cities has informed the City that it is too close to the General Election of 2025 to hold a Special Election, that only leaves the option of an appointment, with the voters then having to decide who will fill a full-term, during the Nov. 4th General Election.

The City will post public notice in the local newspaper a minimum of four and a maximum of 20 days before action is taken to fill the Council seat by an appointment. The Council must fill the vacant seat within 60 days.

Afterward, members of the public may submit letters of interest to City Hall for consideration by the full Council. Public interviews will then be conducted, and each candidate will be publicly voted on.

Once a candidate reaches a  majority vote, they will assume the seat for the remainder of the term of office. The Council will then be required to vote down the remaining candidates. The Mayor will then swear-in the new Council-member. On November 4th, the voters determine who will serve a full term in the At-Large seat. The winner will join the Council for the term that begins January 1, 2026.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, passed the Second Reading of an ordinance vacating a portion of the right-of-way in the 400 block of Laurel Street, and, following a public hearing, passed the First Reading of an amended ordinance pertaining to Flood Plain regulations, and as required by the National Federal Flood Insurance Program. City Engineer Dave Sturm mentioned City Administrator Lund had received a letter from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources regarding Flood Plain Management Regulations.

The Atlantic City Council then passed a Resolution (#61-25) “Authorizing and Approving a Loan Agreement and Providing for the Issuance of a $90,000 General Obligation Solid Waste Management Note.” They also approved three separate Pay Applications for work on the City Street improvement Projects.

The next regular meeting of the Atlantic City Council is scheduled for September 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.