Residents of Bloomington Ward 2 interested in filling a vacancy on the city council now have until the close of business on Friday to submit an application.
The city announced Donna Boelen’s resignation on Dec. 23 and originally set a Monday deadline for providing a cover letter and resume.
“We realized that that’s the holidays, and then we had a [winter] storm,” said Katherine Murphy, the city’s communications and external affairs manager. “And while we did get a handful of applications, we wanted to make sure that we got the word out with enough time for those that are living in Ward 2, that are interested in perhaps filling Donna's seat, to have time to get their cover letter and their application in for that position."
Murphy estimated the city has received around 10 applications so far.
“We’re looking for somebody who wants to serve the city, wants to serve the ward that they live in — and you do have to live in the ward if you are wanting to serve that ward in the capacity of city council,” said Murphy.
Boelen’s resignation was effective immediately, so the council will have a vacancy until her position is filled. Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe has a 60-day window to select a replacement.
Murphy said Mwilambwe will review applications and contact candidates once the deadline passes.
“The mayor will then go over all of the applications — those that are qualified — he will then sit down and talk with everybody, and he will make a choice from there, and then the council will vote,” she said.
The selected replacement will serve the remainder of Boelen’s term that runs until 2027.
“Donna, who was a fantastic council member, was with us for a long time. She was very active in in serving the city and really wanted the best for the city,” Murphy said. “She focused on fiscal matters, budgeting, financial planning and really just kind of brought a common sense approach to filling that position.”
