The Palm Bay City Council held a special meeting last night to pass a resolution officially vacating the seat of former Councilman Pete Filiberto who resigned last week following his felony arrest.
The second item on the agenda was to codify the process in which the council will use to appoint an applicant to fill the position.
According to the new ordinance, the applications will be open for 30 days. According to the City Charter, the Council has 60 days from the date of the vacancy to appoint someone to the position, or it will go to a special election.
This is the first time in the City’s history that the Council will be appointing a member to its body. In light of the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Filiberto which included felony drug charges, his at least 3rd DUI, and other charges, they decided to require a criminal background check for anyone who applies for the position.