A new member was elected to the Russell Springs City Council by its members at last Thursday’s regular monthly meeting of city leaders.

After a process which saw four of the five city council members nominate individuals to fill Mayor Eric Selby’s former seat on the council, that number was whittled down to Josh Robertson, who was nominated by Councilman Ricky Barnes, ultimately got the nod for the vacant seat on the council.

Before Robertson was voted on, accepted and sworn in to the position he joined Sherry Daniel, Zach Burton and Ray Barrett as nominations for the seat.

Despite being “sworn in” by the council, Robertson was absent at the meeting.

Daniel was Councilman David Blakey’s nomination, Burton was Councilman Eddie Thomas’ nomination and Barrett was Councilman Timmy Hudson’s nomination. Councilwoman Lisa Mann did not make a nomination. Robertson was the only nominee who received more than one “yes” vote for the position.

Before Robertson’s selection to the council as well as the nominations, the council went into executive session citing KRS 61.810 (1) (f) which states, “Discussion or hearings which might lead to the appointment, discipline, or dismissal of an individual employee, member, or student without restricting that employee’s, member’s, or student’s right to a public hearing if requested.

This exception shall not be interpreted to permit discussion of general personnel matters in secret.”

There were some question as to whether or not the KRS covered the discussion of a person who currently wasn’t an employee or member of city government but the actual target of the discussion pertaining to the closed session was not mentioned by anyone on the council.

City Attorney Matthew DeHart said it was his belief that the KRS covered anyone who wasn’t yet involved in city government due to the usage of the word “appointment.”

“That’s just my take from the statute,” DeHart said.