Wheaton council members have given tentative approval to a map that divides the city into four districts.
Two years ago, Wheaton residents approved the creation of districts. The plan goes into effect in March 1993, at the same time that the council will expand to seven from five members.
State law requires the increase in the council size because Wheaton`s population has exceeded 50,000.
Under the change, four district council members will be elected next March, one from each of the four districts.
In 1995, two at-large council members will be elected, along with the mayor.
However, a special election must be held in March to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Gwendolyn Henry, who won in the Republican primary for a Du Page County Board seat. She is expected to be elected to the County Board in November.
The new mayor will serve until 1995.
The two newest council members, Fran Culler and Richard Gerig, will not face election in March; their terms expire in 1995, and they will have to seek at-large positions if they want to retain their seats.
Both live within the proposed north district, as does Donald Maxwell, who will have to seek a district spot if he runs.
The remaining council member, Grant Eckhoff, lives just inside the boundaries of the east district.
Residents will be able to comment on the district map when it is brought to the City Council for ordinance adoption.
