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Harris mayor accepts clerk’s resignation; council to interview applicant Tanya Smolke
Summary
At a Feb. 26, 2026 meeting, the Harris City Council unanimously accepted the resignation of city clerk Chante and voted to contact applicant Tanya Smolke for an interview; Mayor Randy Carlson said he will continue performing clerk duties temporarily while the council pursues hiring options.
Mayor Randy Carlson said the Harris City Council unanimously accepted the resignation of city clerk Chante at a Feb. 26, 2026 regular meeting and voted to reach out to applicant Tanya Smolke for an interview.
The council acted after Carlson reviewed email correspondence with Chante and said it did not appear she was interested in returning. Council Member Craig Moline moved to accept the resignation; Council Member Al Siedow seconded the motion, and the council voted all in favor.
Why it matters: The clerk’s post is operationally central to the city’s meeting administration and records. Council members raised concerns about onboarding and the lack of in-person mentorship and training for whoever fills the role, saying those gaps have contributed to turnover and operational disruption.
Council discussion outlined four options for filling the vacancy: offer the job to the second-choice candidate identified in the prior recruitment (referred to as Jen), interview Tanya Smolke (an applicant whose resume and email Carlson distributed), repost the position, or attempt to re-engage the former clerk. The minutes note questions about whether interviewing Tanya would satisfy any legal posting requirements and an expressed desire to move quickly to avoid further delay.
Carlson said he has been performing the clerk duties temporarily and is willing to continue until the position is filled, but the council recorded no formal motion appointing an acting clerk. Members also discussed short-term alternatives such as contracting a temporary staffing service or contacting former clerks for interim help.
An absent council member, Garrett Pearson, submitted a message indicating he would favor reposting the position if Chante is not interested in returning. The council nonetheless voted, on a motion by Council Member Chell Borash and seconded by Council Member Craig Moline, to reach out to Tanya Smolke to schedule an interview. The vote was recorded as unanimous.
The council agreed that if Tanya declines or is not selected, the city will promptly repost the vacancy. The meeting was adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
The council did not take further action on an acting appointment or on statutory posting questions during the meeting; those issues remain pending.
