What happens next

Following the death Wednesday of DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer, city officials said aldermen will appoint either an acting mayor or a mayor pro tempore to fill the position. Van Buer took office in May 2005 and his term doesn't end until spring 2009. The city can appoint either a mayor pro tempore - who can sign documents as the mayor but only vote as an alderman - or an acting mayor who would fill all the duties of the mayor, City Clerk Donna Johnson said. If a mayor pro tempore is assigned, he or she would fill the position until an acting mayor is appointed, Johnson said. Only council members are eligible to fill the positions but if all seven decline, the position could be opened to non-council members, Johnson said. If a council member is appointed acting mayor, he or she would have the option of holding his or her alderman position - but would be unable to either veto or vote as the mayor when required. If a council member gives up his or her position, he or she would be able to vote as a mayor and veto, but not vote as an alderman, Johnson said. If a council member is chosen for acting mayor and gives up his or her current position, state law requires the vacant alderman spot be filled within 60 days, and the nominee would need to be approved by the city council before being appointed, Johnson said. As of Wednesday evening, Monday night's regular city council meeting was still scheduled to happen but that could change if funeral arrangements fall at the same time as the meeting, Johnson said. The city is hoping to have the appointment of a mayor pro tempore as the first action at the meeting, Johnson said.