Six weeks after two members of the Orange City Council exited because of Florida’s new and more stringent financial-disclosure law, the remainder of the elected governing body has filled the vacant posts.

In a special called meeting Feb. 5, the five still-serving council members — including Mayor Gary Blair — tapped Harold Grimm to represent Orange City’s District 1 and Anthony Pupello to serve as the at-large, or citywide, member. The city’s charter requires the balance of the council to replace departing members within 45 days of their exits. 

The Orange City Council members still serving interviewed each of the applicants before voting to appoint the replacements for the two members who had resigned.

Grimm, who was the only person to apply for the District 1 seat on the City Council, replaces Vice Mayor Bill O’Connor. Pupello, who served previously on the council, was chosen from a field of seven applicants seeking to succeed Casandra Jones as the at-large member. Among others seeking the at-large appointment were former City Council Member Martin Harper and former City Manager John McCue.

Shortly after their selection, Grimm and Pupello were sworn into office.

The newly appointed council members will serve at least until November. They may run for election in their own right for the offices they now hold. 

One additional note: Although he resigned from the City Council, O’Connor said he is still a candidate for mayor of Orange City. O’Connor told The Beacon he hopes the Florida Legislature, now in its annual general session, will amend the financial-disclosure statute to make it less intrusive and invasive for officeholders and candidates. The law, which took effect Jan. 1, requires people now holding state or local offices to disclose in detail any and all assets — including bank accounts, stocks, and antiques and heirlooms — worth more than $1,000, as well as debts and liabilities.