SPANISH FORT, Ala.—The City Council has called a special meeting for 5:30 p.m. April 11 to fill its vacant District 3 seat.

The public meeting will convene at the Gathering Place in the Prodisee Center immediately prior to the Planning Commission’s 6 p.m. informal work session and 6:30 p.m. regular meeting.

The seat has been open since longtime councilman Joe Thomas passed away in February, and the council has until April 20 to appoint an interim replacement until his term expires in November 2012. The council closed nominations during its April 4 meeting and interviewed the three candidates nominated by the public during 35- to 40-minute interviews April 6.

The nominees include District 3 residents Bob Pannone, Wendy Pickering and Bobby Fortenberry.

A majority three of the remaining five votes is required to carry the appointment, and the position pays $500 per month, said City Clerk Mary Lynn Williams.