TO: Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications
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 Update
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 are the documents originally shared with Council. Based on the conversation at the Public Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee of the Whole a small group will bring back to Council recommendations on how the applicants will be screened and ranked. Based on timing, materials will be emailed to Council prior to December 9, 2025.
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 and again at Committee of the Whole on November 18. The applications have been released to the Community and are due back to the City by January 2nd at noon.
As discussed on November 18th, a small group of Councilmembers and staff are meeting to solidify the details of the screening and ranking process. Before December 9th Council will receive materials via email based on the recommendations of the small group.
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 |
|
11/18/2025 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
1/13/2026 |
Study Session |
Provide Direction |
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: Council Vacancy Criteria
Attachment C: Council Vacancy Process Timeline
Attachment D: Communications Plan