Kennedale council formally accepts resignation of Council member Chris Gary

The Kennedale City Council voted to accept the resignation of Council member Chris Gary during Tuesday’s meeting. Why it matters: Acceptance of a resignation triggers the city’s process to fill a vacant council seat and clarifies when the position becomes open for appointment or election. What happened: Councilmembers discussed whether formal acceptance is standard procedure; city attorneys and past practice were cited as the basis for requiring council action to accept a resignation. The council moved, seconded and accepted the resignation; the vote recorded was 3 in favor, none opposed and one abstention. Council members said staff will follow the city’s established procedures to publicize the vacancy and advise on options to fill the seat. Ending: Staff indicated the council’s acceptance starts any required notice period and that the council will decide subsequent steps under city code and state law.