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Minnetonka details timeline to fill Ward 2 vacancy; applications due next Wednesday
Summary
City staff told the council the Ward 2 vacancy application period opened Jan. 16 and closes next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.; staff said appointment must be made by March 6 and proposed interviews on Feb. 23 with swearing at a March 2 special meeting.
City staff outlined an expedited process on Jan. 26 to fill the Ward 2 City Council vacancy created when Rebecca Shack became mayor.
Staff stated the application was posted Jan. 16 and is due next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.; the city charter requires the appointment be made by March 6, 2026. Miranda, speaking for staff, said there were five applicants as of the briefing and described options for handling the pool: if five or fewer apply, the council would interview all; if six to 10 apply the council may screen the pool at a study session; if more than 10, the council could form a subcommittee of less than a quorum to conduct initial screening.
Staff emphasized transparency: applications will be posted on the city website with private data redacted, and interview sessions must be broadcast and streamed. Miranda also reviewed logistics proposed to hold interviews prior to the Feb. 23 regular meeting so the council could reconvene that evening to announce a selected candidate and then schedule a special meeting and swearing‑in for March 2.
Council members raised procedural questions about a subcommittee. Staff reminded the group of a Department of Administration opinion finding a past appointment process violated open‑meeting rules when scoring was effectively conducted off the public record; the council discussed options for drawing names if more members want to serve on a screening subcommittee and stressed that scoring and any vote must occur in public.
Staff also described outreach: the Minnetonka memo will be mailed to every address in Minnetonka, and staff will coordinate with apartment property managers in Ward 2 to ensure distribution to multi‑unit housing. Staff reported low turnout in prior special elections cited for context: a 2% turnout example in 2012 and a 4% turnout example in 2018.
Next steps: applications are due next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.; staff will post redacted applications and present interview logistics to the council. If a subcommittee is needed, the council can decide at the Feb. 9 study session.
