Coral Springs to explore appointing former commissioner to fill vice mayor seat
A chair sat empty at the Coral Springs City Commission retreat, with white flowers and a nameplate that said Nancy Metayer.
City officials discussed what to do about the late vice mayor’s vacant seat, ultimately deciding to explore the possibility of appointing a former commissioner or mayor until an election could be held.
The four remaining members of the City Commission went back and forth on whether to appoint a fifth temporary commissioner, citing that an appointment could distract from other city business, and that it seemed too soon.
Metayer, 38, was shot and killed at her Coral Springs home three weeks prior to the April 22 commission retreat. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, is charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence.
While saying they could operate as a four-person board for the time being, Mayor Scott Brook said all commissioners have the welfare of the city at heart, and they would respect 3-1 votes, or even 2-2 ties at City Commission meetings, which was another reason raised for adding a fifth member to the dais.
He said it could be distracting to go through the appointment process.
“I’d like our attention to be on exactly what’s ahead of us, as opposed to some attention and time being moved to an appointment,” Brook said.
Commissioner Shawn Cerra said he was in favor of exploring options to temporarily appoint someone, now that Seat 3 was vacant. Metayer beat out a crowded field in 2020 when she was first elected to the commission, then won re-election in 2024.
Cerra expressed he didn’t want to see someone sitting in her seat either.
“I don’t want to be able to see you as clearly as I’m seeing you,” he said, looking at the other commissioners past Metayer’s empty chair next to him. “I want her body to be right here.”
After further discussion, Commissioner Joshua Simmons brought up that he ran on a platform of efficiency, and kicking the issue down the line wouldn’t align with that, so he said he would look to Cerra to investigate the process more.
Brook said he was also open to the idea. Commissioner Joe McHugh agreed.
They discussed bringing in a former commissioner or elected official, particularly someone who would not run in an election for her seat, and they agreed to explore that as an option, with the caveat the candidate would have to be closely vetted by the commission.
McHugh said the four of them have already worked together and communicated well, and they could have another productive conversation at a later date.
City officials brought up a planned June 24 workshop as another time to have the discussion, prior to a July 2 commission meeting, if they do choose to move forward with appointing someone.
The community is also working on ways to honor the vice mayor, ranging from an endowment established by her family, tributes at Coral Springs schools, scholarships for students and a proposal to name a post office after her.
Three of the four current commissioners are seeking election or re-election this November, with Cerra currently running unopposed for Seat 2, while Brook and Simmons both seek the mayoral position.