These documents show a number of posts and memos by the City of Urbana in regards to the appointment of a new Council member to the Ward 2 seat left vacant by Eric Jakobsson’s resignation at the end of June 2020. Though there were four applicants, only two qualified (Julie Laut and Christopher Hansen). The included 38 page PDF file shows the applications submitted, as well as a number of related emails, including letters of recommendation.
The FOIA request submitted to attain these documents read, “Please send the following records: Any and all documents related to the recent Ward 2 City Council seat appointment process. This would include all documents related to advertising the position, the selection process, applications that the City of Urbana received, emails and letters related to the appointment process (including from the public), decisions to extend the application deadline, etc…”
The request was labeled “2020-F-470” by Lizabeth Kay Meharry on August 28, 2020, and the documents were emailed on November 6, 2020 by Ross McNeil. A review of the documents indicates that the City of Urbana very likely omitted numerous records since none of the records show how anyone at the City contemplated or arranged an appointment process or who directed staff to make various website changes.
Urbana City Countil July 2020 Ward 2 Appointment Emails (FOIA 2020-F-470)
2020_06_09_Press_Release_and _Map_Ward_2_Vacancy_Urbana FINAL
Ward 2 Appointment Instagram Post 1
Ward 2 Appointment Instagram Post 2
Ward 2 Appointment Twitter Post
Ward 2 Appointment – Laut Announcement
Ward 2 Appointment Website Deadline Extension
Ward 2 Appointment Website Page 1
Ward 2 Appointment Website Page 2