Chelan opens applications for vacant council seat ahead of May appointment

CHELAN — The City of Chelan is accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on the city council, with a deadline of 5 p.m. on April 29.

The vacancy follows the recent resignation of Councilmember Mark Ericks. City officials said they plan to bring applications forward for council consideration at the May 12 meeting, where applicants will be interviewed and a selection made.

The appointed candidate is expected to be sworn in the same evening and walk around the dais to join the council immediately.

City Administrator Laura McAloon said the city has already begun receiving applications, though early counts included a few test submissions.

“Well I get confused because we keep doing test ones and so far, Frank Sinatra,” McAloon joked during the meeting. “Anything else? I think we have four actual applications.”

McAloon said the application process is designed to remain flexible depending on the number of applicants. If needed, interviews could be scheduled across multiple meetings, though the city remains within its required timeline to make an appointment.

Applicants must be available to attend the May 12 meeting in person, when the council will conduct interviews and make its selection. Following discussion, councilmembers may enter executive session before returning to open session to vote on an appointment.

The position will be filled by council appointment rather than election, with the selected candidate serving until the next regular election cycle, in accordance with state law.

Application materials and additional information are available on the City of Chelan’s website.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media