Mark Robe’s election as a mayor of Kalona in November created a vacant seat on the City Council when he took office at the beginning of the year.

At Monday night’s meeting, the council agreed to fill the vacancy by appointment. The council seat term expires on Dec. 31, 2021.

“For the council spot that’s open, you have a couple different options,” City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh said. “The one we are presenting tonight is a notice to fill vacancy by appointment that we would publish in the paper to fill the spot on (Jan. 20).”

He explained that the city has forms for people to fill out to express interest in the council seat.

“We’d look to so some personal interviews, probably next week,” he said. “Then, we would have a recommendation for council to make an appointment on the 20th.”

Council member Greg Schmidt asked how many people have already expressed interest in the council seat.

Schlabaugh responded that he has heard from about three or four interested people.

“In that case, I’m really comfortable making an appointment based on people applying for it,” Schmidt said.

Schlabaugh said that there may be more people interested in serving on the council.

“If there are others that you’ve talked to who might want some more information, we’re glad to meet with people and explain what it entails,” he said.

The council also had the option for calling for a special election, at the city’s cost, to fill the vacancy.

Another possibility is for residents to call for a special election after an appointment is made.

“You can do an appointment, and if the public would like to, they can get 26 signatures and request a special election,” Schlabaugh said.