Isanti council appoints Councilman Luke Merrill interim mayor after three-candidate interviews

The Isanti City Council appointed Councilman Luke Merrill as interim mayor after interviews of three applicants on the council agenda. The council used a paper ballot system; City Clerk Jane Strand read the ballots aloud, reporting three votes for Merrill and one for fellow applicant Benjamin Damaris. Merrill said he would abstain from participating in the vote, citing fairness even though state statute allows him to vote.

Merrill, a 32'year resident and current council member, told the council he relies on data to guide decisions. "On controversial issues, I think the most important thing we can do is get data and use that data to make decisions," Merrill said during his interview. Other candidates who interviewed were Jeff Johnson, a former mayor, and Benjamin Damaris, chair of the Park and Recreation Board. A fourth applicant withdrew before the meeting.

Staff told the public the appointment is temporary under city code and state statute and that the appointed mayor will take the oath of office at the council meeting on Jan. 6, 2025. Council and staff also reviewed timing for filling Merrill's resulting council seat: staff said the vacancy will be declared at the Jan. 6 meeting and because the remaining term is under two years, the seat will be filled by appointment; application windows were given for related filings. City Clerk Jane Strand read the votes: "We have 1 vote for Luke Merrill, another vote for Luke Merrill, 1 vote for Benjamin Damaris and another vote for Luke Merrill," after which colleagues congratulated Merrill.

The council's decision does not replace the usual electoral process. Staff noted an upcoming special election filing period and encouraged interested residents to consider running for the seat when filings open.