Monday's Crookston City Council meeting and subsequent Finance Committee meeting were the last for Dana Johnson as the representative of ward one on the council.
She announced her resignation at the council meeting and today, when the flood buyout of her Pleasant Avenue home became official, she submitted her resignation letter.
The Johnson family's home was initially spared as part of the flood control project in Sampson's Addition. But when a stress crack formed in the new levee behind Pleasant Avenue a few months ago, it was determined that the levee needed to be relocated further from the Red Lake River, closer to the street. As a result, Johnson's house will now be removed, along with a handful of other homes that were initially spared.
The Johnsons have purchased a home in ward two and will soon be moving. As a result, Johnson can no longer serve on the council, at least as a ward one representative. She has not ruled out seeking a council seat in the future, specifically, one of the two at-large seats. Ward two is currently represented by Marlys Mjoen.
As for the immediate future of the ward one council seat, Mayor Dave Genereux said ward one residents who are interested in being appointed as Johnson's successor should make their intentions known in writing and send it to city hall. A committee will be formed and, in relatively quick fashion, will select a candidate for appointment.
Even though Johnson had almost three years remaining on her term, the ward one seat will be up for election this November, Genereux explained. That means, if the appointee is interested in serving on the council for more than a few months, he or she will have to run for election in November.
Here's the text of Johnson's letter:
Dear Mayor and Council:
I regret to inform you that I am resigning my position as ward 1 councilman. Due to the flood acquisition of my property it is necessary that I do this in order complete the buyout process of my home and relocate my family. I have enjoyed working with everyone and have learned a great deal. Please be informed that my resignation will be effective as of March 8, 2010, immediately following the regularly scheduled meetings.
