Who will be the next Ward 5 councillor?

Welland councillors can choose whomever they want to fill one of two Ward 5 vacancies, said city clerk Tara Stephens.

“It’s really up to them,” said Stephens, Friday.

At the Tuesday night meeting, councillors decided to appoint someone, instead of holding a byelection, to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Rocky Letourneau on June 22 at age 61. His seat was declared vacant on July 25.

A byelection would have cost taxpayers $57,000 and not take place until November. Nominations would have been accepted starting September 20, ending November 17, with voting taking place Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Stephens said candidates chosen by council must be eligible under the Municipal Act and be 18 years old; a Canadian citizen; a resident or owner or tenant of land or spouse thereof in Welland.

No one can apply for the position, and council is not bound to choose anyone who ran in Ward 5 during the 2014 election. Ward 5 is bordered by East Main Street to the north and Ontario and Ridge Roads to the south, Coventry Road and Burgar Street to the west and the Niagara Falls border to the east.

In the 2014 election, Claudette Richard came in third, with 879 votes, behind winners Letourneau and Michael Petrachenko. Mark Dzugan was fourth with 523 votes. Dzugan last served in Ward 5 from 2006 to 2010.

“Council could choose the thirdplace winner in another ward of they wanted,” said Stephens.

She said councillors have until Friday, September 1 to submit names of candidates for the position.

“The clerk’s office needs to check the candidates’ background information and contact them to see if they accept or decline.”

A list of those nominated will then be presented at an in-camera meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 for councillors to review and discuss. Once in open session that evening, the person chosen will be named.

That same night, said Stephens, the second Ward 5 seat, held by Michael Petrachenko, will be declared vacant.

Petrachenko advised council this past Tuesday he was resigning his seat to spend time with his wife, Monique, who has ALS, effective August 31. Tuesday was his last council meeting.

“At the October 4th or 17th meeting, council will have to choose whether they hold a byelection or decide to appoint someone,” said Stephens.