Andy Davis , aldavis@press-citizen.com 5:09 p.m. CT Feb. 27, 2017

Amy Nielsen(Photo: Press-Citizen file photo)Buy Photo

Two North Liberty City Council members have applied to be appointed as mayor following former Mayor Amy Nielsen's resignation last year.

Mayor Pro Tem Terry Donahueand council member Chris Hoffman have submitted their names for the council's consideration. Donahuehas served as acting mayor since Nielsen'sDec. 31 departurefollowing her election to the Iowa House in November.

The council is poised to make the appointment at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at 3 Quail Creek Circle.

PREVIOUSLY:North Liberty moves to appoint new mayor

The city's new mayor is expected to serve until Dec. 31, 2017, when Nielsen's current term is set to end. To serve beyond that time, the appointee would have to campaign for the city's regular November election.

In his application for the appointment, Donahue said his nine years on the North Liberty City Council and previous stint as mayor of Creston have prepared him to serve as North Liberty's mayor.

Donahue, who is retired, sits on a number of local boards and said he looks forward to being part of North Liberty's continued development.

Hoffman has been a council member since 2007 and works as a business developer for North Liberty-based Moxie Solar. His connections in government and the community make him "uniquely qualified" to serve as mayor, he said in his application.

Hoffman said during his time on the council he has abstained from votes that present a potential conflict of interest with his employment and plans to continue to abstain from such discussionsif appointed as mayor.

Community members will have 14 days after the council votes on the appointment to submit a petition demanding a special election. To call a special election, the petition needs 26 signatures from registered voters, or 15 percent of the number of votes cast in the last regular mayoral election in 2013.

According to estimates provided by the Johnson County auditor's office, a special election would cost the city about $3,500 if one polling place were opened and about $5,000 if all polling places were opened.

City Attorney Scott Peterson has said if the council chooses to appoint a seated council member as mayor, the council will be faced with the same decision and time frame as with the mayoral vacancy. Community members also can petition for a special election of a council memberbut would need to gather 70 signatures, or 15 percent of the number of votes cast for council candidates in the 2015 city election.

Reporter Stephen Gruber-Miller contributed to this story.

Reach Andy Davis at 319-887-5404 or at aldavis@press-citizen.com, and follow him on Twitter as @BylineAndyDavis.

What: North Liberty City Council meeting

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: North Liberty City Hall,1 Quail Creek Circle

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Donahue, Hoffman apply to be North Liberty mayor - Iowa City Press Citizen