Turner resigns from Patterson council; fellow members say farewell

PATTERSON -- For the second consecutive meeting, the City Council offered a tearful farewell Tuesday.

This month's regular meeting was the last for Councilwoman Sandra K. Turner, who resigned her post effective Wednesday because she's moving outside the city limits by one block.

Turner served on the council for more than 11 years.

"I made this decision not because I am not happy serving the people of Patterson," wrote Turner in her resignation letter. "God has blessed me and my family with an opportunity to pursue a dream and the timing is now. ...

"I plan to continue being involved and active in the community. My residence is still in the city of Patterson and I love my city."

Mayor Rodney Grogan said he's known Turner since elementary school.

"Whatever your next phase is as a public servant -- not a politician, but a public servant -- you'll do great," Grogan said.

The rest of the council and Police Chief Garrett Grogan added their praise.

After the meeting, Turner, who is also an assistant vice president at Patterson State Bank, talked briefly about why she first decided to run for the council.

"Eleven years ago, at that time, I thought the city should be moving forward," she said.

Turner's decision came a month after City Clerk Angela Shilling-Boyles announced her retirement after more than 40 years with the Patterson city government. The council appointed Kim Dardeau as the new city clerk the same night.

On Tuesday, the council passed a resolution calling for a special March 26 election to pick Turner's permanent replacement, with a runoff April 30 if necessary.

City Attorney Russel Cremaldi also said law forbids picking a temporary council member still filled by an elected member, even if the elected member has only hours to serve. So the appointment of an acting council member couldn't happen Tuesday and will have to wait for the council to meet again.

Turner was last elected Nov. 6, 2018.