TO: Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Malisa Files, COO |
425-556-2166 |
|
Human Resources |
Cathryn Laird, Human Resources Director |
425-556-2125 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
TITLE:
title
Council Vacancy Appointment Process
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
With the resignation of a Councilmember, the remaining Council has 90 days to appoint a new member to carry out the vacant term. Attached to this memo is the proposed process overview, the potential ranking method to narrow the list of candidates, the timeline and communications plan to fill the now vacant Council Position #1.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☒ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 35A.12
• Required:
Filling a Council vacancy within 90 days is required by Washington law.
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
The proposed Council recruitment process was discussed at the Study Session on November 12. Attachment A containing the process has changed to reflect feedback on the questions that will be a part of the application. Per the Council’s discussion, in Attachment B is a proposed ranking process to narrow the list of candidates. In Attachment C you will find the timeline and Attachment D contains the Communications Plan.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
The Communications Plan can be found in Attachment C.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0298 City Council
Budget Priority:
Strategic and Responsive
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
11/12/2025 |
Study Session |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
The Council must appoint a qualified replacement within 90 days of the vacancy. If the Council fails to meet this deadline, it loses the authority to appoint a replacement, at which point the county legislative authority (County Council) has an additional 90 days to make the appointment. If the county legislative authority does not make an appointment within the 180 days of the vacancy, the Council, or the county legislative authority, may petition the Governor to make the appointment.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
Please see time constraints above.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Process to Fill Councilmember Vacancy
Attachment B:
Attachment C: Council Vacancy Process Timeline
Attachment D: Communications Plan