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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

HELENA – The Helena City Council officially accepted the resignation of Councilmember Chris VanCleave and discussed filling the new vacancy on City Council Place 2 during a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Dec. 9.

During the previous meeting on Monday, Nov. 25, VanCleave’s resignation from the Council was announced with his letter citing ongoing health issues and complications being the reason for stepping away. During the following meeting on Dec. 9, the Helena City Council accepted his resignation and set a special called work session meeting for Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers to interview the candidates who have applied for the position.

“The meeting will be open, but we will not have public comment at the meeting,” Councilmember Alice Lobell said. “The public will be able to submit their questions to us in advance, and we will use those questions if we feel they’re pertinent to ask the candidates.”

Helena residents are encouraged to email any questions they wish to be asked of the candidates to the city clerk at mharris@cityofhelena.org no later than Friday, Dec. 13 at noon. The city requests that any submitted questions should focused on policy, qualifications, governing philosophy and strategic planning ideas the candidates have for the city.

Questions from the Helena City Council, and any questions submitted by the public, will be provided to the candidates in advance of their interviews.

“The Council, as the governing body of the city, has the sole responsibility and discretion to fill this vacancy and has chosen this open meeting interview process to gather information prior to voting on the filling of Place 2,” Lobell said.

The following individuals have applied and will be interviewed for appointment to the Helena City Council:

• Andy Healy
• Matt Herndon
• Chuck Oehrlein
• Brooke Dodson
• Tim Wolfe
• Scot Newman
• Dominga Gardner
• Alex Miller

During the work session, each candidate will be interviewed individually whilst other potential candidates will remain outside the Council chambers until it is their time. Once a candidate’s interview is complete, they will be excused from the work session.

Additionally, during the work session, the Helena City Council will approve the appointment of a Grievance Committee member.

The city received applications for the committee from the following individuals:

• Kevin Bullock
• Dawn Caballero
• Mike Matthews
• Andy Klein
• Ben Nichols

The Helena City Council is also taking applications from individuals who are interested in serving on various boards, including the historical board, the planning and zoning board, the beautification board and the diversity board. Applications for these positions are due Friday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. More information is available on the city’s website at Cityofhelena.org.

In other news, Councilmember Laura Joseph was approved to serve as the acting council president pro tempore until the City Council is full seated again.