Following a four hour special session on Sept. 18, Bee Cave City Council members appointed former Councilman Bill Goodwin to fill the vacancy left when Paul Kline resigned his seat on Sept. 6. Goodwin relinquished his chair on the council after the city's May 11 election during which he came in fourth place.

"Gratifying," Goodwin said of his appointment which will expire with the city's special election in May 2014.

Mayor Caroline Murphy said that four applicants—Bill Goodwin, Marie Lowman, Richard Schmitt, Bruce Schwaegel—submitted their interest for the position to City Manager Frank Salvato by 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 18. Goodwin is a resident of The Homestead and Lowman, who currently lives in The Uplands, said her family is under contract for a property in The Homestead. Schwaegel is from Falconhead and Schmitt resides in Falconhead West.

Prior to the vote, Goodwin told council members and residents that he has spent 15 years on either side of the dais, most of the time touting a distinct minority view. He said he was aware of the far reaching decisions the council makes and the amount of time the job takes.

Goodwin said his concern was for council members to not go out on a limb and force the city to institute a "real" tax rate. Earlier this month, the City of Bee Cave approved a tax rate of $0.02 per $100 of valuation for 2013-14.

Lowman said her attendance record as a member of the city's Planning and Zoning Commission for four years spoke for itself. She said she works full-time in marketing and her business acumen will benefit the council. She said she values managing economic growth in the city and bringing businesses to the area, but balancing that growth to ensure Bee Cave remains a destination place.

Schmitt said he has a vested interest in the community despite living in the area for only two-and-a-half years. He said he wanted Bee Cave to develop more of a community feeling as it transitions from a small town into a city. He said he was looking for a way to get involved in the community, shape the community and give back the community.

Schwaegel said his retirement from a sales position will allow him the time to give back to the community on a local level. He said his professional experience in contract negotiations would help his role as councilman. He said candidates need to reflect their constituents' views by meeting and talking with residents.

Numerous residents of The Homestead addressed council with their support for Goodwin citing his experience as a former councilman who could get up to speed with current projects easily, a logical choice as runner-up in the past election, and his strong desire to serve the community.

Councilwoman Zelda Auslander, Murphy and Councilwoman Michelle Bliss voted for Bill Goodwin with Councilman Steve Braasch and Councilwoman Kara King voting for Lowman. Murphy moved to appoint Goodwin to fill the vacancy and the motion carried unanimously.