Cape council seeks applications for board vacancy

Cape Girardeau residents in Ward 5 may apply through April 30 to fill a vacancy on the city council, city officials said.

Council members decided during a study session Monday to take applications for two weeks and then fill the vacancy at the May 7 council meeting.

The appointed person will serve on the council until a successor is elected Aug. 7 or Nov. 6, depending on the number of people who file as candidates, officials said.

The elected candidate will fill out the remainder of the unexpired term of Bob Fox, who was elected as Ward 5 councilman in 2016 and whose seat became vacant when he was elected mayor earlier this month.

All applicants for the temporary post will be encouraged to speak to the council May 7 in advance of the council filling the position. officials said.

Ward 3 Councilman Victor Gunn said the two-week application period is sufficient because the public already is aware of the vacancy. The April 30 deadline gives the council "plenty of time" to review the applications, he said.

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.