By: K. Michelle Moran | Grosse Pointe Times | Published December 23, 2019

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Grosse Pointe City officials are seeking applications from residents interested in serving on the City Council.

When former City Councilwoman Sheila Tomkowiak was elected mayor in November, defeating incumbent Mayor Christopher Boettcher, that left a vacancy on the council, since Tomkowiak’s council term wasn’t slated to expire until November 2021.

During a meeting Dec. 16, the City Council announced that it would begin accepting applications to fill the seat from interested residents. Residents have until Jan. 17 to submit applications, which should include a letter, a résumé, and a summary of qualifications, skills and experiences that demonstrate leadership, such as service on governing boards, service organizations or committees.

At press time, the City Council planned on having candidates give five-minute oral introductions followed by a chance for council members to ask questions of the candidates during a special City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Neighborhood Club.

“We would need another meeting to decide (which candidate would be named to the council), unless someone emerges who’s just an outstanding candidate,” Tomkowiak said.

The council would likely vote on candidates during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Neighborhood Club. Whoever is chosen would serve the remainder of Tomkowiak’s council term.

To be eligible, a candidate must have been a qualified registered voter in the City for at least three years prior to taking office, and the candidate must not be in default to the City — in other words, the candidate must be keeping up with payments to the City, such as property taxes and water and sewer bills.

This will mark the first time the council has had to appoint someone since City Councilwoman Jean Weipert resigned in 2016 because she was moving out of the City. Tomkowiak was the person the council selected to replace Weipert; voters elected Tomkowiak to a full four-year term in November 2017.

“I’m hoping we have a very efficient and productive process in picking a new council member,” City Councilman Daniel Williams said.

Applications should be sent to City Clerk Julie Arthurs, Grosse Pointe City Hall, 17147 Maumee Ave., Grosse Pointe City, MI 48230. They can also be emailed to jarthurs@grossepointecity.org.