Posted on 26 September 2012 by La Habra Journal
By Jay Seidel
La Habra Journal
The La Habra Heights City Council will meet tonight in a special meeting in order to formulate the process needed to fill the upcoming vacancy on the council made by Howard Vipperman’s
resignation.
The council will accept applications to fill the vacancy and then appoint a council member based on the applicants. That person will then serve out the term until the elections in March.
“We need to meet in order to discuss and determine the process,” said Stan Carroll, La Habra Heights Mayor. Carroll said that he will not seek another term when his ends in March.
However, the council’s immediate need is to fill the vacancy. Vipperman said that his resignation would be effective at the end of the October 11 meeting, giving the council time to determine the process and secure a suitable replacement.
The council will establish the timeframe for the application process.
The hope by the council members is to have the applications submitted and interviews completed by the October 11 meeting. The appointment of the new council member could be as soon as November 8.
Vipperman’s seat would only be vacant for 30 days in that scenario.
Vipperman announced that he was stepping down from the council at September 13 meeting.
He explained that he and his wife are unable to live in their home after the suicide of his stepson in the home. Jeremy Schiro, 33, was found dead in the pool house on Sept 6., and will be moving to a nearby city.
“We are disspointed Howard is leaving the council but we understand why his is doing it,” Carroll said. “We wish him the best.”
Vipperman has been on the council since 2007.
Carroll cited that his decision not to run was based on the fact that he wants to spend more time with his wife and enjoy retirement.
Carroll has served on the council since 2000.
