Council discusses expedited appointment process after unexpected board resignation

Council members at the Forest Park May 19 meeting discussed how the city would fill an unexpected vacancy on a local board and whether the council could speed up the appointment process.

A council member asked for an expedited appointment after an unexpected resignation or termination. City staff said there is not a fixed deadline but noted the council’s next regular meeting falls on the second Thursday in June, May 19 discussion noted as June 12 for this meeting cycle. The city attorney described the standard process: notice is posted on the city website, candidates complete a brief application, and the governing body reviews applications (often in executive session) before making appointments.

Council members expressed concern that the outgoing member’s preferred replacement, identified in discussion as Mr. Willie, had not submitted an application. “No. He hasn't submitted an application as of yet,” staff said when asked whether an application had been filed. Several council members urged following the standard application and vetting steps to ensure all council members and the public have an opportunity to propose candidates.

Council members also moved to recess the work meeting and enter executive session for personnel, litigation, real estate or legal matters; the motion was seconded and the roll call recorded affirmative votes from the governing body to recess into executive session. Following the executive session, the work session was closed and the regular session convened.

Ending: Council members agreed to maintain the normal application and executive-session review process while trying to accommodate the desire for a timely appointment before the June meeting; no appointment was made during the May 19 meeting.