City Releases Requirements to Become a Council Temp

City councilmen in Rancho Santa Margarita voted Wedneaday to appoint a temporary replacement for councilman Jesse Petrilla while he trains with the National Guard in Fort Knox, KY for the next 3-1/2 months.

The city on Thursday released specific details of the application process. Petrilla is expected to return from his military training in mid-June, at which point he will resume in his role as councilman. In his absence, the appointee will enjoy all the same rights and privileges as a councilman, including the stipend of $463.50 per month. 

In addition to regularly scheduled council meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, "special and/or adjourned regular City Council meetings and City Council study sessions may be called as needed." This will almost certainly be the case as one of the primary tasks in Petrilla's absence is developing the city budget.

"The person will have to hit the ground running," said Mayor Tony Beall.

Interested applicants must be: 

• A citizen of the United States.
• A registered voter in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.
• A resident of the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Eligible to take the required Oath of Office.

To be considered for appointment by the city council, all applications must be filed no later than noon on March 4. Late applications, even those that occur because of internet server malfunctions, will not be accepted.

Applications are available at the city clerk's office during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and online at cityofrsm.com.

In addition to a resume, the council application asks for an "essay/statement of qualifications explaining your interest in serving and why you believe you are qualified to serve as Interim City Council member."