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Smithfield council opens process to fill District 1 seat after Councilman Marlon Lee’s death; councilmen discuss memorials and short-term payments
Summary
Council issued a proclamation declaring June as Marlon A. Lee Day, heard extensive public comment, and discussed options to fill the vacant District 1 seat; the council unanimously approved contingent measures to consider paying the late councilman’s stipend to his children and to waive cemetery plot fees pending legal review.
The Town of Smithfield Town Council opened public comment and took initial steps following the recent death of Councilman Marlon A. Lee, including entering a proclamation declaring June 2025 as "Marlon A. Lee Day" into the record and discussing how to fill the District 1 vacancy.
The council chair asked for a moment of silence at the start of the meeting and later proposed entering the proclamation into the record; council members moved and seconded the entry and the motion carried. The mayor and several council members told residents that the statutory process for filling the vacant seat will follow North Carolina law and the town charter, and staff and the town attorney will present formal options to the council for a transparent process following the funeral period.
Multiple residents from East Smithfield and other parts of town used the citizen comment portion to urge a transparent, inclusive appointment process and to ask the council to preserve Councilman Lee’s legacy through memorials and continued programming in East Smithfield. Speakers included Angela Williams, Omar McKnight and several community organizers and residents who asked the council to consider short-term support for events Lee helped organize — including Juneteenth activities — and to ensure continued representation for District 1 residents.
During citizen comments and council discussion, Councilwoman (name not provided on record) moved that the council consider two immediate, contingent measures: (1) awarding the councilman’s annual stipend (a modest council compensation amount) to his children and (2) waiving the town’s cemetery plot or grave-opening fee for the family. The motion was seconded. The town attorney advised that the stipend payment may raise legal concerns and that staff should confirm whether such a payment is permissible; the council therefore agreed the action would be contingent on legal review. The council voted and the motion carried with a statement that staff and the clerk would implement any measures that are legally allowable and report back.
The mayor clarified that state law and the town charter govern the vacancy process and that the council could decide to appoint a replacement at the next meeting if members so moved and that any appointment must come from District 1. Councilmembers encouraged interested residents to prepare documentation and to contact the town clerk if they wish to be considered; one councilmember suggested a citizen review panel and interviews to help inform the council.
Council members and residents also discussed memorial options, including a possible plaque, a named day of service, signage or other memorials in East Smithfield. Several residents described Councilman Lee’s community work and urged the council to ensure continuity of programs he led; the mayor and council said they will solicit ideas and revisit memorial plans in a future meeting after staff prepares options.
No appointment to the District 1 seat was made at the meeting. The council’s motion authorizing staff to pursue contingent payments and fee forgiveness was explicitly conditioned on attorney confirmation of legality and compliance with state law and town policy.
