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Council directs clerk to post vacancy notice; clerk outlines 17-day application window
Summary
Port Orchard’s city clerk described the process for filling the vacant council seat and the council directed the clerk to publish a notice opening applications on June 22 with a 17-day window and to include materials in the July 10 packet for possible action at the July 14 meeting.
The Port Orchard City Council directed the city clerk to publish a notice soliciting applications to fill the council vacancy created by Council Member Fenton’s resignation and set an application timeline.
City Clerk Miss Wallace described the standard process under the municipal code: advertise the vacancy in the city’s official newspaper, solicit resumes and supplemental questionnaires, and accept applications for a set solicitation window. She proposed opening the application period June 22 and holding it open until July 9 so materials could be included in the July 10 packet for possible council action at the July 14 meeting. Wallace said prior postings have been open between one and three weeks and that all application materials and interviews are public.
A council member moved to direct the clerk to publish the notice on Monday the 22nd and set a deadline for applications of July 10; the motion was seconded and, after discussion, the council voted in favor. Council members supporting the timeline cited prior practice and a desire to reach the widest audience; one council member urged clearer emphasis on city residency requirements to reduce ineligible applicants.
City Clerk Wallace also noted that Port Orchard Municipal Code chapter 1.06.040 codifies the vacancy-appointment process but does not set specific timelines, leaving timing to council direction.
Next steps: the clerk will publish the notice on the stated date and distribute application materials; the council may review applications and hold interviews at a future meeting, with executive-session consultation allowed for applicant qualifications if the council chooses.
