Following the resignations of Bee Cave council members Courtney Hohl and Jon Cobb, the city posted applications for the two temporary council seats on its website Jan. 8. Though some members initially expressed hesitance to appoint new officials so close to election season, the council ultimately decided at their special meeting Jan. 7 that the only way for them to operate effectively would be to appoint at least one additional member.
Officials appointed to the two seats are Kit Crumbley and Blake Sbrocco, both of whom have served on the city’s Planning and Zoning, or P&Z, Commission.
The overview
After applications went online Jan. 8, a selection of candidates were invited to attend the council meeting Jan. 14 to answer a series of standard interview questions.
Mayor Kara King said that a decision would be made immediately following these public interviews, and appointees would be welcomed onto the dais at that point. Unlike the election in May, public approval is not required for temporary appointments to City Council.
Candidates present at the meeting included Crumbley and Sbrocco as well as residents Joseph Barkan, Keith Parry and John Wickens. Three other residents applied and were selected for interviews but were not present at the meeting.
The discussion
Candidates were asked to each give a short introduction and were then provided questions by council members.
The council inquired about the candidates’ political experience and familiarity with city meetings, as well as their larger concerns about the community as a whole and any interest they may hold in future public service.
Ultimately, the council agreed that candidates Crumbley and Sbrocco were most qualified to take the dais, given their prior experience within the city.
“The City Council appointed Kit Crumbley and Blake Sbrocco not only for their extensive experience in state and federal government but also for their proven dedication as public servants in Bee Cave,” Mayor Kara King said in an email statement to Community Impact. “Both have actively contributed to the city by serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Charter Review Committee.”
The decision was made unanimously, and both candidates took their oath of office immediately.
What’s next?
Following their appointments, the two interim City Council members will hold their seats until Bee Cave’s upcoming election May 3 and, if they express interest, will then put their names on the ballot.
As for the candidates not selected, Mayor King encouraged them to apply for other city boards and commissions.
“I would like to thank all our applicants and encourage anyone interested to apply for the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Economic Development Corporation or the Zoning Board of Adjustments,” King said. “Applications are available on beecavetexas.gov, and I’m happy to meet with anyone to discuss how their skills can contribute to Bee Cave."
