 |
There have been several “firsts” for the Spokane Valley City Council in the just over six years since incorporation.
The council hired the city’s first city manager. It adopted Spokane Valley’s first comprehensive plan, and shortly thereafter developed the city’s uniform development code.
And for the first time Tuesday, council members had to figure out how to replace one of their own.
Last week, Steve Taylor -- one of the founding council members – stepped down to take a position as the new city administrator for Connell. By law, the council must appoint someone to take Taylor’s place within 90 days, and that person has the option to run again to be elected in the November general election.
As of Wednesday, there are three applicants for the position: Ian Robertson, chairman of the city’s Planning Commission; Annette Remshard, one of the organizers of the last incorporation movement; and Richard Mayer, owner of Sun Rental. Applications will be taken until 4 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Spokane Valley City Hall.
On Tuesday, Mayor Richard Munson said if no one else applies, there’s no reason not to interview all three candidates. However, he said that if there are more than seven the council will have to hold an executive session – where the council meets without the public present -- on July 21 to review the applications and candidates’ qualifications to see who to interview.
“We want to be able to discuss this in private without hurting anyone’s feelings,” Munson said.
The council, however, will reconvene in open session to conduct the interviews either on July 21 (if there are seven or less candidates) or July 28. The council is planning on making its choice on Aug. 4, but it could do so a week earlier if seven or less seek the job.
“I expect on the last day to apply, we’ll get a number of people coming forward,” Munson said.
Council members said they would also come up with a list of questions, which would be provided ahead of time to each person to be interviewed to answer. While Council Member Bill Gothmann said he thinks the three-page application question “Why are you interested in serving in this interim position as a Spokane Valley council member?” is a good place to start, Munson has something a bit more specific in mind.
“What I want to know is if they’ve read the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan,” the mayor said, “if they’ve actually read it.”
The council also decided that the interviews will be conducted alphabetically by last name.
Then came the real question: What would be done if the council came to a 3-3 on whether on an applicant?
The answer is: the good, old-fashioned coin toss – done by the city manager.
“I’ll go along with a coin flip,” Munson said.
Want to know more?
Applications for the Position 2 spot on the Spokane Valley City Council must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, July 17, at City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague. Applications can be found at the city’s Web site, www.spokanevalley.org. Selected applicants will be notified of the exact date and time of the interview once all applications have been received. Questions should be directed to Chris Bainbridge, city clerk, at 688-0177.
|
|
By
Mike Huffman
