Wayland City Councilwoman Tracy Bivins has announced she will not file a recount request for the Nov. 7 City Council election.

Wayland City Clerk Lee Ann Clausen this afternoon said Bivens reached out to her and told her she will not contest the election results, though she lost her seat to Jarry Jansen III, 245 to 244. Steve Stepek polled 277 votes and Grace Sefranik 261 to win the other two seats in a four-for-three race.

Clausen said, “After much consideration she has decided not to file for a recount. She feels that maybe it’s time for a break and she is excited to see what the newcomers will bring to the City of Wayland. Maybe in the future she will put her name back on the ballot, but for now she will enjoy her Monday nights off. 

“I am grateful for her time on the council and hope she decides to still stay connected with serving the community in some capacity. I know she will be missed, but I am sure we will see her smiling face around town.”

Bivins was first elected to the council in 2012 and was re-elected in in six subsequent years, but she stepped down temporarily for health reasons. She returned to the council by appointment in 2020 and then was elected in 2021.