Kasson City council appoints Sheldon Torkelson to fill vacant seat ahead of November 2026 special election

The Kasson City Council met in an emergency session and voted to appoint Sheldon Torkelson to fill a vacant council seat until a special election in November 2026. The council voted verbally in favor after a motion and second.

Council members said they received two applications for the vacancy created when Mr. Wembner moved out of town and submitted a resignation letter that was available to meeting attendees. Council discussion described both applicants as qualified; Torkelson was recommended by a council member and noted to have previously served on the council and to be currently serving on the planning and zoning commission.

A committee member moved to appoint Torkelson; another participant, Mel, seconded the motion. The chair called for the vote and members responded "Aye." The vote was taken by voice and recorded in the meeting as in favor; individual vote-by-name tallies were not given in the transcript.

Council members discussed that the appointee's term is temporary and will be on the ballot during the regular election cycle with a special election set for November 2026. The council also noted the other applicant (identified in the transcript as Johan/Johanna) was present and that both candidates serve on planning and zoning and could be assigned to committees.

Following the appointment, the chair asked staff to notify the appointee by email. The council then moved to adjourn; the motion was seconded and the meeting concluded after a voice vote in favor.

The transcript did not record formal roll-call vote tallies by name. The resignation that created the vacancy was described as coming from Mr. Wembner, who the transcript says moved out of town; the transcript also references a resignation letter available to attendees.