Council sets timeline, interview plan to fill council vacancy; clerk to advertise

The Lafayette City Council on June 9 formally announced a council vacancy and directed staff to run an expedited appointment process that will end with an appointed councilmember seated before the end of July.

Background and legal timing: Staff reported that Councilmember Dawson resigned effective June 1; the municipal code and government code require the council to fill a vacancy within 60 days when the term does not expire at the next regular election. City staff told the council the process used in previous vacancies (adopted in a 2019 resolution) calls for a short application window, candidate interviews and appointment to serve until the next regularly scheduled municipal election.

Council direction and schedule: The council declared the vacancy, directed the city clerk to advertise the position for two weeks and accept applications through the week before interviews, and directed the mayor and vice mayor to draft interview questions. Councilmembers agreed to schedule interviews on July 15 with a backup date of July 16 if needed, and to appoint a replacement by July 30 (the 60‑day deadline). Staff said in prior practice the council often interviewed and appointed on the same night so the appointee could be sworn in immediately; the council allowed for that option.

Public input and process concerns: Several speakers urged greater process clarity and transparency. One speaker suggested a public meeting or task force to formalize procedures used to screen and select candidates, to ensure consistent interview questions and to avoid late‑hour decisions. The council agreed that staff would bring draft interview questions to the June 23 meeting and that the council would have an opportunity for public review of the questions prior to interviews.

Outcome and next steps: The council adopted the procedural directions by motion and voice vote. Staff will advertise the vacancy, collect applications and return the draft interview questions at the June 23 meeting. Interviews are scheduled July 15 (and July 16 if necessary) with appointment no later than July 30, per the government code timeline.

Closing note: The council emphasized the need for a clear, publicly visible process and said the council will revisit whether to develop a more formalized approach to future vacancies after the current appointment is completed.