LOUISIANA, Mo. — A special meeting of the Louisiana City Council will be held on Monday, Nov. 9 to discuss the position of mayor.
At that time, the council members may put forth nominations and votes will be taken. A total of five votes in the affirmative will be needed to fill the seat that was resigned by Marvin Brown on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Brown opted to leave office due to health issues. He was elected in April 2018 and his term was not due to expire until April 2022.
At a special meeting on Saturday, Oct. 24, Ward 1 council member Nancy Evans nominated Ward 2 council member Kathy Smith, who also serves as the mayor pro tem. Ward 4 council member Bob Ringhausen nominated former mayor Bart Niedner, who agreed to serve if appointed.
Following a lengthy discussion, the council voted 5-1-0 to table the matter for two weeks to canvass the community. Council members Ringhausen, Rodney Dolbeare, Kiffany Ardeneaux, Nick Fregeau and Chadwick Epperson voted in favor. Evans voted against tabling the matter and Smith abstained. Lester Burelson was absent.
A member of the council can be appointed to the mayor’s seat, though it creates another vacancy to be appointed by the council. City ordinance requires candidates to be at least 30 years of age, a U.S. citizen and residency in the city limits for at least two years.