POULSBO — Poulsbo city officials will accept applications for City Council Position 7 between Dec. 15 and Jan. 16, with a new council member appointed on Jan. 27.

That’s the timeline discussed Dec. 6 by the City Council. The appointee will serve until the next election in November 2019. The person elected will serve out the remainder of the term, which ends Dec. 31, 2021.

The position was vacated Nov. 26 upon the death of four-term council member Jim Henry, 80. Henry had chosen earlier this year not to run for reelection because of health reasons; the person elected to succeed him, John Bukowsky, has since declined to take office because of changes in commitments related to his day job. Bukowsky formally declined by email to accept the council seat, Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson reported.

At the council meeting Dec. 6, a portrait of Henry and a rose were displayed in front of his empty seat. Meanwhile, the clock is already ticking on recruiting a successor. According to the city attorney, council has 90 days to fill a vacant position starting from the day of Henry’s passing.

Although an agenda item related to the appointment time frame was not voted upon, council members appeared to be in concurrence.

Should the city receive more than five applicants, the council may have to vote to deviate from current rules and regulations requiring that each applicant be interviewed. According to city officials, this is to keep the number of applicant interviews at a manageable number.

On Jan. 27, the council will make a decision on their choice.

City Council members receive up to $9,000 a year and are elected to four-year terms. Council members establish city priorities, set policies, approve ordinances, and approve the budget. Council members also represent the city on various regional committees.

Council members are expected to attend regular City Council meetings which are held on the first three Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m.

Application packets will be available on the third floor of City Hall and online at cityofpoulsbo.com. Applications must be turned into the City Clerk’s office.

— Nick Twietmeyer is a reporter for Kitsap News Group. Contact him at ntwietmeyer@soundpublishing.com.