The Port of Coupeville commissioners announced Monday during a special meeting that former port executive director David Day will serve as a commissioner until Nov. 26.

He is temporarily filling a seat vacated by district 1 Commissioner William Bell.

The commissioners interviewed two candidates in public Monday but may have violated the state’s Open Public Meetings Act by making a decision on who to appoint during the executive session. The law allows the commissioners to discuss the candidates’ qualifications behind closed doors but no decisions, not even informal ones, are supposed to be made.

“I’ll be honest, I based it solely on the interview and the questions and answers,” Commissioner Mohammad Mostafavinassab said as he announced a motion to appoint Day after the executive session.

The motion passed with Commissioner John Mishasek’s vote.

Bell announced his resignation in March, leaving the remaining two commissioners 90 days to fill the position.

Day was hired as port executive director in December 2014.

After leaving his term as director, Day was critical of the port commissioners for not including enough public comments on the Navy Growler Environmental Impact Statement.

The port listened to public interviews from candidates Day and Coupeville resident Rodger Eelkema on Monday morning and voted on the motion to appoint Day following an executive session.

Day and Eelkema were the only applicants for the position.

“I’m humbled,” Day said, adding that he was thankful for the opportunity to serve the district.

In November, an election will be held to fill the position for a full term.

Day said he plans to run in the November election.