Posted on: August 13th, 2026

GHTM Elections Update from 8-10-26 Town Meeting

Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer positions were elected by acclamation as Kelly Veit, Gretchen Diefenderfer, and Martha Knapp were nominated, agreed to serve another term, and there were no further nominations.  However, Vice Chair Kaitlyn Barthell definitely said she would like not to continue, and John Hatlelid was iffy – is travelling 50% of the time.  We do not have formal letters of resignation from them, but if /when that happens, we will be looking for replacements.  Think about it!

Here’s Martha’s report on the bylaws around

Hi all, 

This is to address the desires of Kaitlyn and John to forego continuing on the Town Council and what needs to happen according to the bylaws.

Good news, I just confirmed that old Bylaws and the new Bylaws both contain nearly identical wording regarding Term of Office and Vacancies.

It appears (Section C) that since no one was elected to replace Kaitlyn and John, they automatically continuing in their TC roles until a successor is found. The most expeditious way to do this is for them to submit a formal resignation.  After the resignation is received, then Section G comes into play. TC has two weeks or as soon as practical to till the vacancy (vacancies) by appointment for the remainder of the term, which I interpret as next August. 

Here is the current wording — two sections under Article V.  Highlighting pertinent info in Bold.

Article V: Town Council

Section C, Term of Office: Each Town Council member shall serve a one-year term or until a successor is duly elected and qualified. A Town Council member may resign at any time by submitting written notice to the Town Council. The resignation will take effect as specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise indicated, no formal acceptance is required for it to become effective.

 

Section G, Vacancies: Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the term, made by a majority of the Town Council members, within two weeks of its occurrence or as soon as practical.

 

Let’s all keep thinking of people who might be interested in filling those positions.

 

Martha

 

Current Bylaws can be found here: https://goldhilltown.com/what-it-is/