Government
Applications being taken for vacant City Council position
The Gig Harbor City Council is accepting applications for a council vacancy created by Tracie Markley resigning to become mayor, effective tomorrow. Applications for appointment to Position 4 are available on the city’s website at www.cityofgigharbor.net.
The appointee will join three newly elected members on the seven-person board — Roger Henderson, Brenda Lykins and Seth Storset. Jeni Woock won reelection. Robyn Denson and Le Rodenberg are in the middle of four-year terms.
Candidates must complete an application and submit a letter of interest. They’re due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 14. Applicants must be registered voters in Gig Harbor and must have lived within the city limits for at least one year. The replacement will serve out Markley’s term through November 2023.
Tracie Markley
Interviews will be held during a special City Council meeting at 1 p.m. on Jan. 18. The six current members will then vote, with four votes needed for an appointment. If a majority isn’t reached, the candidate with the fewest votes is removed and members vote again. If a selection is made, the appointee will begin serving at the next regular meeting on Jan. 24. If the Council fails to appoint a person within 90 days, the task is delegated to Pierce County.
The City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Members often have committee meetings and other time obligations in addition to the regular council meetings. They typically spend 10-15 hours a week fulfilling their duties, according to the city. They are paid $713 a month with no benefits.
It has been known since May when nobody filed to run against Markley for mayor that her Council position would likely become available, so people have had plenty of time to consider it.
“I’m sure there are people who have already called Council members and told them they are interested in the position,” Markley said. “I am sure there are discussions that have already happened. I have no idea who. We’ll see what happens.”
For more information, contact Josh Stecker, City Clerk, at (253) 853-7613 or by email at [email protected].