Lake Stevens council discusses mayoral vacancy process, 90‑day appointment window and whether mayor role should remain full‑time
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Summary
Following Mayor Brett Gailey’s send-off, the council reviewed state statute guidance for filling a mayoral vacancy (90‑day appointment window), debated keeping the mayor full‑time versus a temporary part‑time arrangement, and directed staff to return with ordinance language and timeline options.
The Lake Stevens City Council used a workshop to combine a brief farewell for Mayor Brett Gailey with a substantive review of how to fill the impending mayoral vacancy. Councilmembers and staff discussed statutory timelines, candidate recruitment windows, recusal policies for council members who apply and whether the city should retain a full‑time mayor.
Vice President Shipman opened the council’s remarks about Gailey’s service and presented a plaque reading, in part, "City of Lake Stevens, Brett Gailey, mayor 2020 to 2026, in grateful appreciation for outstanding service and commitment to the citizens of Lake Stevens." Councilmembers praised Gailey’s record and accomplishments and gave him a standing acknowledgment before the workshop business continued.
City Administrator Jean (introduced by the council) and staff said the city’s existing council-procedures language includes an older provision authorizing the council to choose a mayor from among its members—likely a remnant from when the post was part-time—and recommended aligning the vacancy process with state statute. The city attorney advised the council that state law provides a 90‑day window to appoint a replacement and that the appointment may be open to any qualified person; "state law... trumps anything inconsistent with our code," the attorney said.
Council debate centered on whether the vacancy should be filled by a full‑time mayor (as Lake Stevens has had since 2020) or whether the council should consider a temporary part‑time appointment to broaden the candidate pool. Proponents of a full‑time mayor cited the city’s recent grant-raising and regional advocacy needs; the departing mayor said during the meeting that the city has secured substantial grant funding during his tenure, describing it as "a collective $40,000,000 in grants since I've been mayor." Supporters of a temporary part‑time approach said a shorter term could ease recruitment and transition pressures while the council prepares for the next election.
The council also discussed process details: staff proposed an accelerated recruitment timeline that could be as short as a one-week notice and one week of applications followed by interviews; several councilmembers said that window was likely too brief and suggested at least two weeks for applicants. Council asked staff to compile department-head input on desired qualifications and to draft ordinance language that would (a) clarify whether the position will be full- or part-time for the remainder of the term, (b) set a recruitment timeline, and (c) address recusal or participation by councilmembers who apply. Legal counsel reminded the council that while members may be eligible to apply and vote under state law, the council can adopt local policies about interview participation and disclosure to manage public perception.
Staff told council they will return next week to continue the discussion, present proposed ordinance language and a recommended timeline; formal action would follow that additional review. The workshop concluded with an executive session on potential litigation and a motion to adjourn when the meeting resumed.
