Crookston council creates advisory board, opens applications for at-large vacancy

The Crookston City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution to establish an advisory board that will recommend an appointee for the city’s vacant at-large council seat.

Ashley, a city staff member who announced the item to the council, said the application period will run July 22 through July 31 with a 3 p.m. in-person deadline and that the advisory board will interview candidates on Aug. 7. She said the city will post the application on social media and in the local paper.

Mayor presided as council members debated the board’s role and confirmed that any recommendation from the advisory board would be advisory only. “The advisory council can provide a recommendation, but the final decision does rest with this body,” a council member clarified during discussion.

A motion to approve the resolution was moved and seconded by council members and the mayor announced the motion carried. Council did not specify a separate timeline for the ultimate appointment; staff said the vacancy and appointment process will follow the resolution and regular appointment procedures.

The advisory board will accept applications from any Crookston resident, per the staff announcement. Candidates and members of the public seeking more details were directed to city communications for the posted guidelines and application packet.

Next steps: staff will publish the application packet and interview schedule; the advisory board will hold candidate interviews on Aug. 7 and forward recommendations to the council for final action.