Council to name interim

After voting to hold a special election to fill Ward 3 councilor Dakota Koski’s seat at the June 4 council meeting, city officials learned that they have to follow a state calendar for the election, which means the soonest the vote could happen would be Nov. 5.

City administrator Aaron Reeves said Ward 3 residents can apply to be appointed in the interim through July 10. The council will interview all applicants before their July 16 meeting — the July 2 meeting was canceled — and appoint an interim council member the same night.

If more than two people file, Reeves said the November election will be a primary, followed by a general election on Feb. 11.

“In early July we will publish notice of filing for the special election,” Reeves said, adding that the filing period for the November election will be July 30-Aug. 13.

In the future, the council plans to change city code to allow the city to hold only a general election for special elections, regardless of the number of candidates.

Koski is officially stepping down from his position July 1, so Tuesday’s meeting was his last. Elected in November 2018, Koski took his seat as the Ward 3 councilor in January but has now purchased and is moving to a home in Ward 5. Koski said he regrets having to step down, but ultimately chose a home for life over a four-year council term.

Ward 3 lies between Highway 33 and 14th Street, and Doddridge Avenue and the St. Louis River.

Whoever wins the special election (in November or February) will serve out the remainder of Koski’s term.