The city of West Des Moines has set a special election for Tuesday, Feb. 17 to elect a new city council member to replace Renee Hardman, who resigned from the council after she was elected to the Iowa Senate on Dec. 30. Individuals interested in the city council seat have until 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 to submit candidate nomination petitions. In West Des Moines, the city council will accept candidate petitions with at least 179 signatures. To file, contact City Clerk Ryan Jacobson at 515-222-3603 or Ryan.Jacobson@wdm.iowa.gov. Hardman, who served on the council for eight years, replaces Sen. Claire Celsi, who died in October. Hardman will represent Iowa Senate District 16, which includes West Des Moines, Clive and Windsor Heights.