Anna Maria is losing two commissioners and it’s unclear how their seats will be filled.
City officials began Sept. 7 discussing options for an appointment process to select successors for Commissioners Robert Kingan and Deanie Sebring.
Kingan did not run for reelection and no candidate emerged to run in his place, leaving the post vacant after his term expires Dec. 7.
Meanwhile, Sebring will leave the commission after Sept. 21. She told The Islander she will make her move to France by Oct. 7.
Resident Barbara Murphy, the mayor’s wife, spoke during public comment to thank Kingan and Sebring for their efforts serving the city.
Commissioner Jonathan Crane said he has enjoyed his time serving with the pair and would miss them.
In the meantime, city commissioners must agree on an appointment process to determine successors.
The commission last appointed a member in January, when Commissioner Charlie Salem was chosen to fill the remainder of Carol Carter’s term.
That process involved collecting questions from the public, then holding a workshop for the candidates to introduce themselves and answer the questions and, lastly, a commission meeting to vote on a winner.
The city’s previous process involved allowing applicants to introduce themselves at a commission meeting with three-minute speeches, then voting to appoint a new commissioner at the same meeting.
City attorney Becky Vose sent a memo Sept. 5 providing advice on qualifications and appointments.
To qualify for a commission seat, people must have maintained a residency within the city for at least two years, be a qualified voter in the city and not be employed by the city or hold any other municipal office, according to Vose.
Vose recommended the city use its previous appointment process, which she said has resulted in “quality” candidates.
Mayor Dan Murphy said he believed the process used to select Salem was “healthier,” since it resulted in greater public involvement.
Commission Chair Mark Short said he also preferred the city’s most recent appointment process.
Murphy added that the two available terms would be uneven — Kingan’s successor would receive a full two-year term while Sebring’s would complete her remaining year.
He said commissioners should consider whether to determine their successors separately or at once, as well as ask applicants to specify which term they’d prefer.
Crane said he was concerned about finding and recruiting potential candidates.
City commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary.
The commission meets next at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
The meeting will begin with a public hearing to discuss the municipal budget for fiscal 2023-24, which will be followed by a regular meeting.
Directions to attend the meeting via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.