Yuma News Now

Yuma, Arizona - Councilmember Ross J. Hieb is resigning from the Yuma City Council, and the City is beginning the process of filling his seat for the remaining 5-plus months of his term.

Citing "family and business priorities," Hieb submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Larry Nelson effective after the July 1, 2009 regularly scheduled meeting of the Yuma City Council.

With his term not expiring until the end of the year, the City is required by Charter to fill his seat through a majority vote of the sitting City Council members within 30 days of the resignation, in this case by July 31.

"We will now move on and continue the business of taking Yuma forward," Nelson said.

During his 3-and-a-half-year term, Hieb served as Deputy Mayor and worked for the City in a number of capacities, including as a member of the Border Trade Alliance, as the City's representative on the Greater Yuma Port Authority and the City's representative on the Yuma Chamber of Commerce.

"We enjoyed his service in a number of areas," said City Administrator Mark Watson. "He was instrumental in support of private business activity and kept his finger on the pulse of important regional issues that affect us, such as water rights and border trade."

Those who may be interested in sitting on the council from July through the end of this year should drop off a letter of interest and a resume at the office of the mayor and city council at City Hall, One City Plaza (located between 1st and Madison Avenues just north of Giss Parkway). Deadline is 9 a.m. Monday, June 29.

By City Charter, a council member must be a resident and a qualified elector (registered to vote) of Yuma, and must have resided within the city for at least one year preceding the term on council.

In addition, Watson said, the City desires those who have experience and involvement in City boards or commissions or other City-related service. However, such experience is not mandatory. Also, due to upcoming elections for Mayor and City Council seats, no person who has declared themselves a candidate for the upcoming primary election will be considered.

Those who serve will be required to attend officially scheduled meetings, specially called meetings and certain public events and promotional activities on behalf of the City.  Compensation for the position of councilmember is $300 per month.

Hieb discusses his pending departure and reflects on his time on the City Council during this week's episode of City Outlook, which will be televised at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily on City 73 TV for Time Warner Cable subscribers.  Nonsubscribers may watch streaming video online at www.yumaaz.gov/tv