Ankeny Mayor Announces Resignation Date

The mayor of Ankeny has officially announced his resignation date.

Steven Van Oort, who recently was elected to the 3rd District seat on the Polk County Board of Supervisors, submitted his resignation to the Ankeny City Council at a planning session Monday night. In it, Van Oort stated he will officially vacate his position effective at noon on Dec. 7.

The process the city will follow to replace Van Oort will be similar to the one used when Craig Block resigned from the city council earlier this year.

The council has 45 days from the date of resignation to appoint a replacement. It also has 90 days to call for a special election and set a date.

Council members had not formally discussed a plan for the open seat last week, but the consensus the day after the election was to appoint someone to the position, according to the Des Moines Register.

At a meeting last night for Ankeny residents opposed to a plan that could bring a $150 million casino and entertainment complex to the community, Council member Mark Holm expressed interest in having former council member Gary Lorenz fill the position, the article said.

Lorenz, who also was at the casino meeting, told the Register Van Oort also approached him about the position, which Lorenz said he would be willing to accept.

Should the council decide to appoint someone to fill the mayoral vacancy, citizens can petition the council for a special election.