City to Choose New Mayor at City Council Meeting

A new mayor. Choosing one is the first order of business when the City Council of Rancho Santa Margarita meets tonight at City Hall. 

The selection process should be interesting as the candidates try to determine who will succeed Mayor Tony Beall, or if he will become the first councilperson in the city's short history to serve consecutive years in the position. Historically, the mayor serves one year and the mayor pro tempore takes his place the following year.

However, the city has been without a mayor pro tem since March, when Gary Thompson resigned to devote time to caring for his ailing parents. His father has since passed away.

Thompson's resignation ignited a firestorm within the community as the council elected his replacement, ultimately choosing former councilwoman Carol Gamble from a group of 12 finalists to serve through Dec. 2012.

The council has since had chances to name a mayor pro tem. Twice the subject was broached at council meetings, by Jerry Holloway and Jesse Petrilla, but the council took a pass, preferring instead to delay a discussion and vote that could fracture the relationships between councilmembers who—because of Petrilla's nearly four-month absence to train with the California National Guard—still didn't know each other very well.

The council will also select among themselves a representative and an alternate on the Orange County Fire Authority's board of directors, and a representative and alternate to serve on the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency. 

Other items include discussion of the Chiquita Ridge project and proposed changes to the Request For Proposal. Also on the agenda is discussion of the temporary suspension of temporary sign permit fees and related permits.

Additionally, they are expected to approve an employment agreement with city manager Steve Hayman, who announced his retirement effective Dec. 30, to continue in the role in an interim capacity until his successor is found.