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Batavia alderman replacement procedure to be discussed

At the first Batavia City Council meeting since the death of 3rd Ward Alderman Linnea Miller, Mayor Jeff Schielke focused on Miller's contributions to the community, and said he would speak at the next council meeting about finding her replacement.

Miller, 61, died of cancer Jan. 12.

This week the mayor said the city would probably follow the procedure used when vacancies occurred before, such as the deaths of aldermen Norm Hagemann in 2003 and Richard Hart in 2004.

People interested in filling the posts were encouraged to send letters to the mayor, listing their abilities and qualifications for the office. The city council then interviewed the applicants and selected one.

Under state law, the city has 60 days to fill a vacancy once it occurs. The law gives the mayor the right to make an appointment, and the council the right to accept or reject it. The replacement will serve until the April 2011 election.

The next city council meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1.