Ogilvie announces temporary leave of absence

SANDPOINT — Based on her medical treatment schedule, Mayor Marsha Ogilvie has appointed City Council President Carrie Logan to take over mayoral duties for 90 days.

While she won’t be taking on major decisions like appointments to city positions, Logan will nevertheless be assuming the majority of mayoral roles until Feb. 3, 2014. Ogilvie’s decision to appoint Logan to the role follows her upcoming treatment plan for lung cancer, which she has been battling throughout the year.

“I have confidence that Councilwoman Logan has the knowledge and expertise to fulfill the best interests of the city in my temporary absence,” Ogilvie said in a memo to the council.

For the most part, Logan’s duties will mean signing papers, presiding over council meetings and representing the city at special events. However, she won’t be making the call on filling the council seat left open by former member Aaron Qualls’ resignation. Ogilvie will still make that decision, which has had no time table for completion. Until then, the council will continue operating as a five-person body.

Ogilvie’s health issues have resulted in her missing several meetings throughout the year with Logan taking her place. However, until now, her treatments hadn’t impacted her ability to keep City Hall affairs flowing smoothly, according to city staff.

In the past, Ogilvie received all documents requiring her signature and communicated with department leaders on work-related issues.   

The transfer of responsibilities follows the framework laid out in Idaho Code 50-608, which states that “in case of a temporary vacancy in the office of mayor due to absence or disability, the president of the council shall exercise the office of mayor during such disability or temporary absence, and until the mayor shall return.”