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Palm Coast Council sets application period and interviews to fill District 3 seat after Ray Stevens resignation
Summary
Mayor Norris and council members agreed March 4 to open a 15‑day application period and hold interviews and public meetings to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Councilmember Ray Stevens’ term for District 3. The charter requires appointees to live in the district; staff will publish applications and a communications plan.
Palm Coast — City Council members agreed on March 4 to begin the appointment process for the District 3 vacancy caused by Councilmember Ray Stevens’ resignation for health reasons.
Mayor Rick Norris said Stevens resigned because he no longer could fulfill the duties of the office while recovering, and the council will appoint a replacement to serve until the next scheduled election. The council and city manager outlined a timeline that mirrors the previous appointment process for a different vacancy.
What council set
City staff will open a 15‑day application period beginning March 4 and closing March 19. Council members expect to hold a special workshop for interviews in late March/early April (proposed April 1 at 3 p.m. subject to scheduling) and an evening public workshop and a daytime business meeting where a final selection will be made. The appointee must live in District 3 per the city charter; staff confirmed legal review and said the application form will require district residency confirmation.
Why it matters
The council said it wanted a clear, documented process with public input. Council members suggested using structured interview techniques — including the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method — to ensure fair and relevant questioning and to avoid the problems that occurred during a prior appointment cycle. Several residents urged the council to choose a candidate with private‑sector or business experience; others asked that candidates demonstrate community ties and a record of local service.
Public comment and outreach
During public comments, residents urged different priorities for the seat: some asked for a business‑oriented appointee who could help attract jobs; others recommended conservative values or local residency and tenure in the district. Staff said the communications plan used for the prior vacancy will be updated and that the application will be posted immediately on the city website with a QR code on tonight’s agenda packet.
Staff responsibilities and next steps
City staff will publish the application and communications plan, coordinate outreach and confirm residency of applicants. The city manager said the process would include two public opportunities for comment: an evening workshop and the daytime business meeting where the council will select the appointee. Applications will be screened and council members will receive applicant materials in advance.
Quotes
"He did the honorable thing by resigning," Mayor Norris said of Ray Stevens, citing the council’s understanding of Stevens’ health and the need for someone able to complete the seat’s duties.
"There is a qualifying requirement that you have to live in the district," the city manager said, citing legal review of the charter requirements.
Ending
Staff will post the application and the updated communications plan and will return to council with interview schedules. Residents interested in applying were directed to the city website and to verify District 3 residency before applying.
