ORANGE PARK – Town council members are a step closer to filling Seat 1, vacated by Vice-Mayor Eddie Henley, who resigned on June 7.

Henley resigned about 45 minutes into that meeting, citing racist and intimidating emails. Mayor Randy Anderson kicked off Tuesday night’s meeting by asking for courtesy from public commenters.

“The bottom line is we’re all neighbors and let’s keep it that way,” Anderson said. “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.”

Later in the meeting, council members addressed the vacancy. Anderson also postponed the election of a new Vice Mayor.

Council Member John Hauber said council members received emails about the vacancy.

He asked for some time to question the individuals before the board, with some public input.

“We can get public input and bring it back to the council and make a decision, and make sure we’ve given the public an opportunity to ask their questions ... ,” Hauber said.

Council Member Susana Thompson agreed and felt a special meeting should be held. Thompson issued another call for candidates. She pushed for a meeting for residents to ask questions of candidates.

“People can come at will and speak to all the candidates and figure out for themselves who they would prefer,” Thompson said.

Council Member Alan Watt said he’s been through the appointment process before and it has the potential for disaster. He called for rigorous control of the process and to not allow for nominations from the floor.

“Again, we need to make sure this is done professionally and orderly,” Watt said.

Anderson said the process should be open and a deadline should be created for consideration. He said it’s important that potential candidates meet with residents. He pointed to July 19 meeting as a deadline, which council members approved unanimously.

“I really think we need to have a deadline. This needs to move forward. The last couple have really drug out,” Anderson said.

The town of Orange Park will allow applications in the form of an email until July 8, and it will host a 6 p.m. meet and greet on July 13.