A vacant at-large position on the Kent City Council, left vacant after the death of former Councilman William Schultz Jan. 3, was filled last night at a special council meeting.

Council appointed Robin Turner to the position after four rounds of voting by secret ballot.

After the first two rounds of ballots, Jenny Arthur, John Gwinn, John Nemec and Robin Turner remained as candidates for the seat. Fifteen people originally applied for the position. At last week’s meeting, Sean Buchanan withdrew his candidacy.

Round three narrowed the candidates to Nemec and Turner.

After being sworn in, Turner was welcomed by the other members and made a short speech.

Turner said Schultz was both a mentor and a friend. He added that he hoped the other applicants would remain engaged in the council process.

“He was on my list,” Councilman John Kuhar said after the meeting. “I guess he was on a lot of lists.”

Kuhar said the council members worked as a team and made sacrifices to reach a uniform decision.

“He’s who I would have voted for,” said Elizabeth Howard, another applicant.

The salary of the at-large position is about $6,000 per year, according to Mayor John Fender.

“I had hoped to win,” Turner said. “I know there are going to be challenges ahead. We need to commit to sacrifice.”

Before deciding on a replacement for Schultz, the meeting began with a passing vote that will grant City Manager Dave Ruller permission to allow the Kent City Board of Education to lease 30 parking spaces on North Mantua Street.

A Board of Control meeting followed by a City Council Work Session will begin tomorrow at 6:55 p.m.

Contact reporter Christina Anthony at [email protected].