LOUISIANA, Mo. — The Louisiana City Council held a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 9 and voted to install Kathy Smith as mayor for the remainder of Marvin Brown’s term.

Smith has served many years as a council member from Ward 2 and has been voted mayor pro tem by the council numerous times over the years. She will assume the mayor’s seat until the term expires in April 2022. Abstaining from the vote, Smith’s nomination was approved by all seven of the remaining council members.

The council had discussed the matter at a special meeting on Oct. 24. At that time, Ward 4 council member Bob Ringhausen had nominated former mayor Bart Niedner. Smith was also nominated at that meeting. The council ultimately voted to table the matter for two weeks.

After Smith called the meeting to order on Monday, a letter from Niedner was read aloud by Ringhausen. Niedner thanked the council for their serious consideration of him to fill the vacancy. He noted that in the spirit of unity he would step out of the running so the council could be free to elevate Smith to the position without a split vote. He further added that he would be happy to be of service in the future if needed.

Attendance was limited to a handful of seats at the meeting to ensure social distancing in the council chambers. The city opted against moving the meeting to a larger venue.

Prior to Smith’s nomination, council member Rodney Dolbeare pointed out the city has followed the method spelled out to fill the vacancy. It was also noted that Smith has been entrusted as mayor pro tem many times over her years on the council. She was officially sworn in as mayor following the vote.

The next order of business was selecting a new mayor pro tem. A nomination by Nancy Evans to elect Kiffany Ardeneaux to the position was approved by the members present. The council then closed the special meeting.

The decision to install Smith as mayor leaves a vacancy on the council for Ward 2. Smith will have the opportunity to put forth a nomination for the council to consider at a future meeting.

Brown resigned the position on Oct. 20 due to health issues. He was elected in April 2018.