This article was originally published Tuesday, Feb. 17, and was updated Wednesday, Feb. 18, with additional information.  The article was updated Thursday, Feb. 19, with notice of the specially-called council meeting being cnaclled and rescheduled.

The Town of Summerdale is accepting Letters of Interest to fill a vacancy on the Town Council following the resignations of Council Member Myles Bishop.

The vacancy for Bishop as well as Council Member Frank Young were announced Monday, Feb. 16, in a notice posted on the town’s Facebook page.

Bishop represented Place 1 on the council and was first elected in 2007. Young served in Place 4 and was appointed to the council in June 2025.

Town officials later posted an update Tuesday, Feb. 17, announcing a special meeting of the Summerdale Town Council scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Summerdale Municipal Complex, 502 W. Lee Ave. The agenda includes acceptance of Bishop’s resignation and a declaration of Council Place 1 as vacant, along with discussion and appointment to fill Council Place 4. Council members are also expected to discuss and consider approval to open new positions within the Summerdale Police Department.

However, town officials posted another notice on Wednesday, Feb. 18 saying the special meeting was cancelled "due to written notice indicating that a quorum  of cancel members will not present." The town posted another notice that the special council meeting would take place on Tuesday, Feb, 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Summerdale officials also shared additional information Tuesday regarding the process for filling council vacancies. The town is classified as a Class 8 municipality under Alabama law. In Class 8 municipalities, council vacancies are filled by a vote of the council at a regular or special meeting, though the seat cannot be filled at the same meeting in which the vacancy is formally acknowledged.

The appointed council member serves the remainder of the unexpired term. If a vacancy is not filled within 60 days, the council loses its authority to make the appointment, and the process may then involve the governor or, ultimately, a special election.

In the August 2025 municipal election, neither Bishop nor Young faced opposition for their seats. The only contested races were for mayor and Council Place 3. Randy Farris defeated incumbent David P. Wilson in the mayoral race, while incumbent Mary Carolyn McDaniel retained her Council Place 3 seat against challenger Janet Sophie.

Town officials are seeking qualified residents who are interested in serving the community. Applicants must live within the town limits of Summerdale, be at least 18 years old, be a United States citizen and be a registered voter. Candidates also must have resided in the city or district for at least 90 days prior to the election.

Council members serve four-year terms. There is no limit on the number of terms a council member may serve under Alabama law.

Residents interested in being considered should submit a Letter of Interest to the Town Clerk’s Office at 502 W. Lee St., Summerdale, AL 36580, by noon on Friday, Feb. 20. For additional information, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (251) 989-6202.