Jeffrey Gicklhorn joined the Portola City Council during the Sept. 9 meeting. The council held a swearing-in ceremony two months ahead of the original schedule.
Gicklhorn’s appointment followed a special meeting on Aug. 18. The council planned for him to start serving after the Nov. 4 general election. That meeting addressed three open board seats. The council reappointed Mayor Bill Powers and Councilmember Lauren Miller to four-year terms. No candidates challenged them in the election.
Councilmember Pat Morton’s resignation left a two-year vacancy. Stephan Mangum filled that spot on May 27. The county rejected Mangum’s nomination for the Nov. 3 election because his paperwork lacked enough valid signatures. The deadline for submissions was Aug. 7.
At the Sept. 9 meeting, City Manager Ryan Bonk announced Mangum’s resignation, effective Aug. 24. This created a vacancy the council had to fill within 60 days.
The council faced two choices: hold a special election or appoint someone. They could appoint Gicklhorn early or open applications for new candidates. Gicklhorn had already expressed willingness to start before Nov. 4. This made the decision straightforward.
Choosing appointment over election saved the city about $10,000, said Bonk. The council voted to fill the seat by appointment and confirmed Gicklhorn for the position.
City Attorney Steve Gross provided legal guidance during the meeting, attending remotely. Administrative Services Manager Kristen Schiavone conducted the swearing-in ceremony for Gicklhorn at the meeting’s end. His signature finalized the process.
Gicklhorn will participate in his first official council meeting on Sept. 23. The council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6 p.m. Meetings take place at Portola City Hall, 35 Third Ave. Agendas and remote access details appear on the city’s website.
