Council to form nine-member advisory board, hold community forum to fill at-large vacancy

Crookston City Council voted to form a nine-member community advisory board and hold a citywide community forum to recommend candidates for a vacant at-large council seat, choosing that route over a costly special election.

Derek moved the motion "that we do a community forum and open it up to anybody that's interested," and Christie seconded after clarification about the proposal. Council members discussed several options — appointing from the prior three applicants, conducting a special election, leaving the seat vacant until the next regular election, or creating a staff-guided advisory board — and repeatedly raised concerns about transparency in the prior selection process.

City staff and council debated the timeline and logistics. Ashley, speaking for staff, outlined two advisory-board options: restrict recruitment to the three prior applicants or open the process citywide. A staff speaker explained legal constraints: "Under our charter, it doesn't say we need to have a special election under state statute," adding the city could hold a special election, but it is not required and leaving the seat vacant is also legal. Council members pressed for a process that would include community input and reduce the chance of another split three-way outcome.

Council settled on a 9-member advisory board (an odd number to minimize ties), with staff (Tianna and Tina) responsible for recruiting and vetting applicants and returning an update at the next council meeting. Council members suggested the advisory board could interview candidates and bring a recommended candidate (or finalists) back to council. The motion carried on roll call; staff will open recruitment, set application deadlines, and report back at the next meeting.

Why it matters: The council’s choice prioritizes community involvement and staff-managed recruitment while avoiding the direct cost and staffing burden of printing citywide ballots for a special election. Council members cited both fiscal constraints and the need for a transparent process when filling a seat that affects quorum and voting capacity.

The council did not set exact dates in the discussion; staff were directed to establish a short recruitment window, form the advisory board, and return with an update at the next scheduled meeting.