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Lee's Summit rules committee outlines open process, sets Jan. 15'022 application window to fill council vacancy
Summary
The Rules Committee recommended a one-time, more public process for appointing a replacement council member: applications will be accepted Jan. 15'022 (excluding Jan. 20), with an in-person candidate forum and a council vote by nomination rounds; the appointee serves until the next regular municipal election in 2026.
The Lee's Summit City Council Rules Committee on Dec. 19 recommended a transparent, time-limited process for filling a vacant council seat that will include a public application period, a candidate forum and an on-the-record council vote.
The committee, chaired by Shields, agreed to recommend opening applications Jan. 15 and closing them Jan. 22 (excluding the Jan. 20 holiday), with a tentative special meeting and candidate forum set for Jan. 28. Mr. Head, the city attorney/staff lead on the item, said applicants will need to file in person and complete the same sworn candidate document used for municipal filings.
"We want to make sure that it's an open and transparent process and that anyone who's interested has the opportunity to apply and make their case," Chair Shields said during the discussion. The committee adopted a forum format that includes a two-minute opening statement, up to six pre-submitted questions from council (one minute per answer), a two-minute closing statement and limited council follow-up.
Council member Hodges proposed adding formal community involvement, suggesting "maybe having a community panel from the district" to give residents a direct voice; the committee discussed that and agreed at minimum to include a structured public-comment period at the forum. Mr. Head cautioned that under the charter the council must make the final appointment and that any community input would be advisory.
The committee also discussed nomination and voting logistics, agreeing to public nominations from council members at the dais. If no nominee receives the required majority, the committee recommended eliminating the lowest vote-getter and proceeding in rounds until a candidate secures a five-vote majority. Mr. Head noted the appointed person "will only serve until the next, regular municipal election, which will be in 2026."
Staff will draft a one-time resolution or process document for council consideration on Jan. 14. If this approach proves successful, Mr. Head said staff and the committee can later propose a permanent rule to govern future vacancy appointments.
The committee emphasized practical limits to keep the forum efficient: daily public updates of applicants, a cap on candidate-answer time, a maximum of five minutes total for supporters speaking on behalf of any individual candidate (to be split among spokespeople), and at least one short recess during the meeting to allow the public and council to organize before voting. The recommendations will go with the committee's consensus to the full City Council for approval.
