City staff told the Liberty Lake Community Engagement Commission on Nov. 19 that the application deadline for City Council Vacancy Position No. 7 is this Friday at 5 p.m. and that interviews likely will occur at a special council meeting on Monday, Dec. 8.

Staff said the city plans to post applicant names shortly after the deadline so the public and advisory groups can see who has applied. Commission members discussed recruiting and outreach: several commissioners recounted private outreach and social-media contacts that brought a prospective applicant, Britney Sipton, to their attention. Commissioners described Sipton as a community resident with local involvement who has submitted materials to apply for a commission position; staff noted she lives in the Position 3 zone.

Commissioners considered how commission membership transitions (some members are ineligible for renewal after their current terms) might affect recruitment. David (city staff) said he would work with council staff and follow up on whether the mayor will put candidates on the December 2 council agenda for consideration.

Next steps: staff will post application lists after the deadline and follow up with the mayor’s office and council scheduling as appropriate.