Title
FILLING OF COUNCIL VACANCY
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: REQUIRED
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
With the recent passing of Councilmember Tom Hutchinson, it is now necessary for the Council to fill the Council vacancy with an individual to serve the remainder of this term.
RCW 35A.12.050 provides that the office held by a member of the City Council which becomes vacant is to be filled for the period of time between the occurrence of the vacancy and the next regular municipal election by appointment by a majority of the remaining members of the City Council. (If the majority cannot agree upon such an appointment within 90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy, their power to appoint ceases and the County Commissioners are empowered to fill the vacancy.)
State law provides that the remaining members of the governing body are to appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position. (A “qualified” person is someone who would otherwise be eligible to run for elective office in the jurisdiction.)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Move to appoint an individual of Council’s choosing to fill the vacant Council position. The following language is suitable.
I move that the current Council vacancy for the term ending December 31, 2015 be filled by appointment of ________________________ to this position.