Batavia seeking another alderman

Batavia is looking again for a 3rd Ward alderman now that Cathy Barnard has resigned because she is moving.

Barnard's resignation was announced at the same city council meeting where new 3rd Ward alderman Janet Jungels was sworn in. Jungels replaced Linnea Miller, who died Jan. 12. A new 5th Ward alderman, Lucy Thelin-Atac, was also sworn in, to replace Forrest Nelson, who moved out of the ward in February.

Barnard was elected in 2003, unseating Gary Dickinson. She was unopposed for re-election in 2007.

The resignation is effective April 20. Barnard is moving to Elburn.

Usually, Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke asks people to submit letters of interest for a council opening, then the city council interviews candidates in open session and recommends one to him. He then appoints the person, with the consent of the council.

However, because the council just went through this a few weeks ago, Schielke has suggested that the council consider whether to do the same thing, or just make the appointment from the other two people who applied for the Miller vacancy: Dan Chanzit and William Miller, Linnea Miller's husband.

The city council will decide April 19 what to do.