Hearing on councilor-elect's residency set

The matter of Richard Esterman's residency within the city limits for the past year will be the subject of a special hearing on Thursday, December 15, 6 p.m., at Sisters City Hall.

Esterman is one of three City councilors elected in November balloting and is slated to assume office in January 2017.

Esterman's filing papers for the election, submitted in July, listed his residence as 153 N. Oak St. and indicated he would soon be moving to 329 Jefferson Ave.

One of the requirements that must be met in order for a person to run for the office of City Councilor is that he must have been a resident of the city (within city limits) for 12 consecutive months prior to the election.

A number of questions from local residents came into City Hall prior to the election regarding Esterman's residency. Esterman told The Nugget in a September interview that his long-time residence in Tollgate has been used as his office for the past year and he has been living at the Oak Street rental. The Tollgate house was listed for sale in September of this year.

When City staff checked the City's water records, it was discovered that no water use was recorded at the Oak Street house from April-October 2016. Following investigation by City staff and review by the City attorney, a letter was sent to Esterman indicating the questions raised by the City's findings.

In a detailed written response, Esterman argued he used water, but a small enough amount that it didn't show up on the City's records. He also noted that he did not use trash collection services because he disposed of his garbage by other means.

A hearing to explore this issue was then scheduled for December 15. Since that time, Esterman was elected to one of three open seats on the City Council, from a field of three candidates and one write-in candidate.

Any person may attend the hearing, as it is open to the public, but no public testimony will be taken. Letters or relevant information may be sent to the Sisters City recorder ahead of time for inclusion in the hearing packet.

During the hearing, the City will present evidence that brings Esterman's 12-month required city residency into question. Esterman will have the opportunity to counter with his evidence of residency.

Following all testimony from the City and from Esterman, the current City Council will deliberate and decide whether or not Esterman met the residency requirements necessary to run for Council and, therefore, would be eligible to take his seat in January.

When contacted last week by The Nugget to see if he had any comment and to ask if he would have legal counsel at the hearing, Esterman declined to reply, stating simply, "Come to the hearing and you can report on what happens."