SOLANA BEACH — It was standing room only at the June 25 City Council meeting as more than 80 people packed council chambers for a midyear mayoral modification. As a general law city, Solana Beach appoints council members to serve as mayor on a one-year rotating basis. For the third time in city history, the position is being split halfway through the term.

Joe Kellejian was appointed mayor for his fourth time Dec. 12, 2007. Dave Roberts, who was first elected to the council in November 2004, will serve until Dec. 10. Roberts is running for re-election this fall and would not otherwise have the opportunity to serve as mayor if that bid is unsuccessful.

“This is a great opportunity and an honor,” Roberts said. “Our whole goal is to preserve the quality of life here in Solana Beach.”

During his six months as mayor, Roberts said he plans to focus on environmental sustainability, continue the Highway 101 redesign and public art campaign, preserve the city’s history by highlighting longtime residents and provide opportunities for citizen commissions to showcase their efforts at council meetings.

In keeping with tradition, Roberts presented the outgoing mayor with a gift from sitting council members. “We pay for this out of our own pocket,” Roberts said. “There’s no taxpayer money involved.” In support of the Shop Solana Beach First campaign, the gift was a bowl created by a Solana Beach artist that Roberts bought at a silent auction fundraiser for the David Martin Scholarship Fund.

City Manager David Ott presented Kellejian with a plaque and a jacket with the Solana Beach logo from the staff. “Again, there was no taxpayer money,” Ott said.

Council members, who unanimously supported the change, appointed Mike Nichols as deputy mayor. Ironically, the council’s first midyear reorganization was in June 1996, the year Kellejian was completing his first term on City Council. Marion Dodson, who at the time was serving as mayor for her second time, split the term with Kellejian, giving him an opportunity in the chair in the event that he wasn’t re-elected that fall.