05-06-2026 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff Report To: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council From: Bryce Shearen, City Administrator Date: May 6, 2026 Re: City Council Vacancy Applicant Review Action To Be Considered: Discuss and review candidate applications to fill the open Council seat. Background: Councilmember Amanda Gutierrez resigned from the Council on March 25, 2026, and a vacancy on the City Council was declared. As there are less than two years remaining in Gutierrez’s term, a new Council member must be appointed to the remainder of the term. The council may appoint any individual who is eligible for election to that office. To be eligible, a person must be a U.S. citizen, a city resident, a qualified city voter, and at least 21 years old. To fill the vacancy, a majority vote is needed for the appointment. If the vote is a tie, the mayor can appoint any qualified person willing to fill the vacancy, even if that person was not the subject of the original appointment vote. The City Council vacancy was advertised in the local newspaper, on the city website and sent to news subscribers, on social media, posted at City Hall, direct email to various contact lists, e-newsletter, and on Hmoob Twin Cities News. Applications were accepted from April 9-24, 2026. A total of eleven (11) applications were received for the Council vacancy seat. The candidates, in alphabetical order, are as follows: 1. Jonathan Chalmers 2. Taelor Johnson 3. Kevin Keenan 4. Shawn Koch 5. Lee Ann Lehto 6. Teresa Miller 7. Mike Mui 8. Michael Petruconis 9. Tom Ray 10. Nick Schwalbach 11. Katelyn Sindt The next step in the appointment process with be for the City Council to review the applications and discuss which candidates will be invited for an interview.