SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough council swore in two council members and discussed intentions to advertise the remaining vacant seat at its Monday meeting.

While Jeff Campbell and Alexandra Tuten took their places as newly-elected borough officials, one seat remains empty, as it was to be filled by David P. Yednak, who won the election Nov. 2.

According to Borough Manager Shawn Pugh, Yednak moved out of the borough before the election, but was not removed from the ballot. He won by two votes against former council member Gene Allison.

“According to borough policy, (Yednak) has until Jan. 10 to move into the borough and assume his position. If he doesn't, council will declare it vacant,” Pugh said.

At that point, the council has 30 days to fill the seat, solicitor Rebecca Black said.

The council will then seek letters of interest to be submitted by interested and qualifying candidates, Black said.

“They have to be a resident of the borough, they can't be a school director, and no individual can hold more than one elected office at the same time,” Black said.

Yednak, who now lives outside of Butler County, said he informed the elections bureau about his move, requesting to be removed from the ballot.

He said he mailed in the necessary request, but still appeared on the ballot. He does not plan to assume his seat on council.

“It was unfortunate, I didn't like how they ended up handling it,” Yednak said.

Allison said he is interested in taking on the position and that the decision by the council to advertise for letters of interest is not how he remembers similar situations being handled.

“In previous times, they took the next closest vote getter,” Allison said.

“I won by less than 1% to someone who wasn't supposed to be on the ballot. Something's not quite right.”

Allison attended the Monday meeting and expressed his interest in the vacant seat during the public comment session.

“Yednak didn't live in the borough for at least three months,” Allison said. “I'm still interested. I'm asking for your consideration.”

The council discussed declaring the seat vacant at the Jan. 11 meeting, then asking for letters of interest to be submitted shortly thereafter. Council members expressed intentions to fill the seat by February.

Council member Campbell was elected as council president during the meeting, and Denton Zeronas was chosen as vice president.

Campbell said he wants to continue the good job former council president Russell Karl did.

“I hope to continue that path,” Campbell said.

Campbell has more than two decades worth of experience in various public service roles.

He moved to Slippery Rock 10 years ago.

The other newly-elected council member, Tuten said she is excited to serve and be apart of discussions on the borough.

“As part of my campaign I said I'd be a voice for the children,” Tuten said. “I see opportunities for that.”