A resolution to propose reducing the Aberdeen City Council from 12 down to seven members failed at Wednesdsay night’s council meeting.

If it were passed, a measure would’ve gone on the next general election for voters to decide if the council should be reduced to seven council members, which would include one from each of the six wards and one at-large position. Aberdeen’s 2021 general election would have had all seven positions up for vote.

Instead, the council did not meet the nine-vote requirement, with six voting in favor of the resolution and five against it.

Council President Tawni Andrews was the one who suggested the resolution, and she believes some council members are more involved than others, which she said was her reasoning for it.

“There are a few people on this council that are way more involved than other people, and there are some who don’t serve on any outside boards,” said Andrews. “In this day and age, it’s harder and harder to find people to stand up.”

Several council members spoke in opposition, including Jim Cook, who said he’s “adamantly” opposed to it. Cook was concerned that when a council member doesn’t show up, their ward wouldn’t be represented.

Council Member Margo Shortt was also opposed to the resolution and said she would prefer to have more time to discuss the matter as a council.

“I think the timing on this resolution is not right,” said Shortt. “I would prefer to have a discussion with council, and then the council decide about putting it on the ballot, rather than one or two people proposing it.”

Cook added that similar resolutions to change the council size have failed to pass “routinely” over the past 16 years. Aberdeen and Hoquiam are the only cities in Washington State with a 12-person council.

Aside from the council making a resolution, Aberdeen citizens can make a petition to change the City Council size. If a petition is signed by at least 15 percent of the city’s registered voters who voted in the previous general election, they can put the change in council on the ballot of the next general election in the city. It would then require a majority of voters’ approval to pass.

Votes in favor of the resolution were: Tawni Andrews, Kathi Prieto, Tim Alstrom, Karen Rowe, Pete Schave and Dee Anne Shaw.

Votes against the resolution were: James Cook, John Maki, Margo Shortt, Jerrick Rodgers and Frank Gordon. Council member Jeff Cook was absent.