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Shepherdsville council appoints Kenny Newton to fill late Mike Hibbert’s seat after contentious discussion
Summary
Council nominated and voted to appoint Kenny Newton to complete the late Mike Hibbert’s term after debate and a plea by one speaker to seat Karen Hibbert; the process prompted discussion about Open Meetings Act compliance and some council members expressed regret about the conduct of the meeting.
Councilors considered candidates to fill the council seat left vacant by the death of Mike Hibbert and voted to appoint a nominee during the meeting.
A council member nominated Kenny Newton; another council member urged the council to instead nominate Karen Hibbert, the late councilor’s wife, citing past local precedents where spouses filled a deceased member’s term. That speaker said she had discussed the matter with several council members and expected support for nominating Karen.
Counsel proceeded with the roll call. The roll call exchange shows several council members voting to approve the nominated replacement while at least one member opposed. During debate the city attorney reminded council that substantive decisions reached outside an open meeting can violate the Open Meetings Act; several council members acknowledged informal conversations had occurred and apologized for communication gaps.
Council members also expressed condolences to the Hibbert family and reflected on the late member’s service. The appointment was completed during the meeting and council moved to adjourn later the same evening.
Provenance: Nomination and related debate appear in the transcript between SEG 1276 and SEG 1490; roll‑call and appointment lines are in that range.
