Council President Gwen Jones explained that the appointment of alderperson Jordan Hess to the position of mayor creates a vacancy in Ward 2. The appointment process is outlined in both the state law and the city council rules.
City Clerk Marty Rehbein outlined the state law requirements, the requirements to be qualified to be a councilperson, and the proposed timeline for receiving applications, scheduling interviews, and voting on the applicants (see attached presentation). She explained the reason for having the application close on Thursday at noon to allow time to confer with the county regarding eligibility. Due to conflicts with the Montana League of Cities and Towns conference and to honor Indigenous Peoples Day, it is recommended that the rules be suspended to allow 8 days for applications rather than 10.
Amber Sherrill asked for clarification regarding the shortening of the 10 days.
Mirtha Beccera asked about what the schedule would look like if the council were not attending the League conference. Marty Rehbein responded that there would still need to be special meetings called due to there not being a regularly scheduled meeting on Indigenous Peoples Day. This requires 8 votes of council or the mayor to call.
Kristen Jorden asked if the application questions are finalized. Gwen Jones responded that the questions are finalized (and attached), it is a slightly different process than the mayor. Kristen Jorden stated that she has issues with question number 5.
Amber Sherill moved to the suspend the rules, and asked how the interview process will work. Gwen Jones responded that because no members of the council will be applicants, the council will proceed as though it were a board or commission interview. Mirtha Becerra confirmed that it was similar to a board or commission interview. Gwen Jones asked that there be some form of timing provided to applicants.
Marty Rehbein noted that the question process is slightly different from the last time a council vacancy was filled. Heidi West noted that when boards or commissions added questions they added them for all, Gwen Jones responded that it would not be appropriate to add questions.
Daniel Carlino asked for clarification about the council president selecting the interview questions. This is found in the council rules.
Gwen Jones noted that applicants will have 2 weeks notice as to the interview date. Marty Rehbein added that the interview questions will be available earlier for applicants to review as of the time of application.
Applications will open this afternoon after Jordan Hess is sworn in as mayor and there officially becomes a vacancy on council.