Ratermann resigns from council

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SIDNEY — After returning from an executive session Monday evening, Sidney City Council accepted — “with regret” — the resignation of At-large Councilman Joe Ratermann.

Ratermann was noticeably absent at Monday’s city council meeting. During the invocation at the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Mike Barhorst mentioned Ratermann and prayed for his future success.

The city of Sidney officially received Ratermann’s letter of resignation on Thursday, May 9. In his letter, he thanked Sidney City Council for “the opportunity to serve with an incredible group of individuals whom collectively work as an outstanding team.”

He said, in his resignation letter, he is not resigning for any negative reason, but because he obtained a “full-time opportunity with the federal government.” He noted in the letter “ethics issues preclude me from simultaneously serving on the Sidney City Council while serving in certain positions for a federal executive branch department.”

The letter ends saying, “Each and every one of your daily efforts were unselfishly made for the betterment of our community and the city of Sidney. I am honored to have shared the title of council member with you.”

Ratermann was serving in his first term as a member of City Council after being elected to the at-large seat in November 2015. His term expires this November.

After verbally accepting Ratermann’s resignation, council then adopted a resolution thanking and commending him for his service as councilman for the city of Sidney. Ratermann, the resolution states, “has given freely of his time and talent while representing the city.” It also notes during Ratermann’s term in office, which began Dec. 1, 2015, “his collaboration with council with respect to the careful stewardship of city resources has earned him the respect of the entire community.”

City Clerk Kari Egbert said the city will be seeking a qualified candidate to replace Ratermann on City Council. Any Sidney citizen who is a register voter may apply, she said. More details about candidates’ requirements and method to apply for the appointed position will be releeased in the next couple of days, she said. City Council will conduct mini interviews of candidates during its executive session meetings. The position will run through November, when Ratermann’s seat is set to expire.

City council members hopes to fill the position by the end of June, or the first of July, Egbert said.

Ratermann could not be reached for comment before press time.

Ratermann
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2019/05/web1_RatermannJoe12.jpgRatermann

By Sheryl Roadcap

[email protected]

Reach the writer at 937-538-4823.

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