Long Prairie council schedules May 6 second-round interviews for city administrator finalists

The Long Prairie City Council on April 24 reviewed reference-check findings from the first round of interviews for the City Administrator/Clerk search and voted to invite two finalists back for a second round of interviews.

Mayor David Wright called the special meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. and the council approved the meeting agenda by motion of Council member Lilah Gripne, seconded by Council member JoAnn Schroeder; the motion carried unanimously. City staff then presented the completed reference checks for the three finalists: Candace Bruder, Steve Jones and Angela Jacobson.

After discussing the reference materials and the candidates, the council determined it would schedule a second round of interviews for Candace Bruder and Steve Jones and did not advance Angela Jacobson to that stage. Mayor Wright moved to schedule the special meeting for second-round interviews on May 6 at 5:00 p.m.; Council member Jim Kreemer seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Council members also discussed possible interview questions and the process to be used at the May 6 meeting, including formats and evaluation focus areas; the minutes record discussion of questions but do not specify the exact questions or evaluation rubric. No hiring decision was made at the April 24 meeting.

With no further business, Council member Jim Kreemer moved to adjourn, Council member Clint Krueger seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

Next steps: the council will hold the scheduled special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on May 6 for second-round interviews of the two finalists.