By Joe Bachman

The common council discussed the approval of the job description for the currently vacant city clerk position Tuesday night, which brought on debate from council members.

“I just think that there are some things here that shouldn’t be the job of the city clerk,” said alderperson Tom Rayome. Citing duties involving public safety. Rayome would later comment that a special election for city clerk should be held this August, if possible.

Alderperson Steven Koth also questioned whether or not the job description of city clerk is accurate, and posed more people to read it over. Administrative assistant Sue Bravick stated, however, that the job description looks accurate, from her experience.

Alderperson James Stack made the case that the open position should have been advertised for, as done in 2007 under mayor Mary Jo Carson. “Mary Jo Carson went on to advertise the position, and between 11 applicants, three were interviewed by the mayor,” said Stack. “What I would like to see the Human Resources Committee be prepared to do is draft an advertisement for interim city clerk.”

Mayor Vruwink noted that it would have been inappropriate to advertise a position for city clerk before it was known if the position were to be elected or appointed, as discussed in a prior common council meeting. Vruwink stated that he has plans to advertise the position.

The motion for the job description was approved by a vote of 7-1. The duties of city clerk have been taken over by Sue Bravick and Paul Przybelski until one is officially elected.