http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/city-councilman-thomas-bieker-resigns_48459.mp3
Springfield City Councilman Thomas Bieker resigned his position Friday, effective immediately. According to Mayor Bob Stephens, Bieker and his wife recently bought a property whose backyard lies inside City limits, but the mailbox is outside city limits. According to state law, if then the address is outside city limits, Bieker is ineligible to serve on Council.
Stephens says when there’s been a vacant Council seat in the past, City Council has simply taken applications, conducted interviews and made a selection. But since Council elections are coming up in April, and Bieker’s seat was not up for election, Council isn’t sure yet how they will proceed.
“We don’t know if we are required to have people who want to replace him run for election because we have one coming up, or if council should go ahead and appoint,” Stephens said.
Stephens says Council should have an answer after they meet with City Attorney Dan Wichmer next week.