Commissioner Lee Gessner resigns; commission sets process and deadlines to fill vacancy

The Ramsey County commission received and acknowledged a letter of resignation from Commissioner Lee Gessner dated Nov. 4, 2025. The letter stated: "I am resigning my seat on the commission effectively, immediately. Respectfully, Lee Gessner."

County counsel/administration advised commissioners that, under state statute (referred to in the meeting as the Century Code), the appointee must be a qualified elector of Ramsey County and the commission should act "immediately," though the statute leaves discretion on timing and process. If the commission cannot or chooses not to appoint a successor, the statute provides the county treasurer would assume the position by default until the next general election.

Commissioners debated timing and outreach options. One commissioner proposed soliciting letters of interest to the auditor by the end of the month (materials to be distributed to commissioners ahead of the Dec. 2 meeting). The board adopted a motion to solicit letters of interest, with a target submission date to allow review before the next meeting.

Separately, the commission moved to appoint Blaine Vogt as chair for the meeting and the motion carried. Commissioners also discussed two incumbent water-board members (John Martinson and Dwayne Ash); rather than reappoint immediately, the board voted to advertise the two positions for public applicants and set a decision calendar to consider reappointments or new applicants at a future meeting (advertisement through Dec. 16).

What happens next: The auditors office will accept letters of interest for the commissioner vacancy and distribute them to the commission; the board expects to consider appointments at the next meeting and will advertise water-board openings through Dec. 16.