The Raymore Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 5 elected Commissioner Smith to serve as the commission’s interim secretary to fill a vacancy left by a former member.

City staff described the secretary’s duties to commissioners before the vote: "The only responsibility that that individual has is to sign final plats when they get submitted to the city for signature," a city staff member said, adding the secretary also signs any changes to the commission’s rules and procedures.

A commissioner placed Commissioner Smith’s nomination on the floor and Smith accepted. The commission voted to elect Commissioner Smith as secretary: 7 in favor, 0 opposed and 1 abstention. Commissioners were told the secretary’s duties typically require only occasional daytime trips to City Hall to sign documents, and the commission can also collect signatures at its evening meetings when necessary.

Chairman Wiggins presided over the nomination process. No formal second was required for the nomination, and the commission resolved the item by recorded vote.

Commissioners also confirmed the current chair and vice chair will remain in place until the November officer elections. The secretary election is an internal administrative action; no additional public hearing or council approval was indicated at the meeting.