Sumner outlines schedule and interview changes for council vacancy

City Administrator Jason Wilson laid out the process Sumner will use to appoint a replacement for the council seat vacated when Carla Bowman was elected mayor.

Wilson said state law and council rules (resolution 16 95, as cited in the presentation) govern the appointment. He told council the appointee must have lived continuously in city limits for at least one year and be a registered Sumner voter. Staff recommended advertising the vacancy starting Jan. 15, with applications open for 30 days; interviews are planned for a Feb. 23 study session, nominations and appointment at the March 2 regular meeting and swearing-in on March 16. Wilson noted the council must fill the seat within 90 days or Pierce County would appoint a replacement under state law.

Council members debated the written and interview questions to use. Council member Kenna proposed adding a question about how candidates handle difficult or unpopular decisions; Deputy Mayor Elpers proposed a question probing a candidate's public- or community-service record. After discussion, staff summarized that both questions would be added to the interview portion (not the written application) and that council would consider increasing interview time to give applicants more opportunity to answer; council discussed a 7—10-minute limit if necessary depending on applicant count.

Wilson said staff will verify residency and voter registration with Pierce County and distribute applications and supplemental responses to council before interviews. No appointment was made at the study session; the council set the process and schedule to proceed.