The Storm Lake City Council will hold a special meeting today to interview four applicants for the open council seat created by Mayor-elect Meg McKeon’s transition from council to mayor.
McKeon won last month’s mayoral election through a write-in campaign and will be sworn in Jan. 1. Her resignation from the council takes effect Dec. 31.
Council members voted last month to appoint her successor rather than call a special election, citing a cost estimated around $5,000. Under state law, the council must fill the vacancy within 60 days, though residents retain the right to petition for a special election within 14 days of the appointment.
Four Storm Lake residents have stepped forward.
Matthew Ricklefs, a current council member who did not run for re-election this year, says he wants to continue advancing “thoughtful, community-focused progress.” Ricklefs, who works at Central Bank, highlights priorities including balanced budgeting, expanded daycare access, and more housing options.
Dalton Walker, who ran unsuccessfully for a four-year council term in November, works at Buena Vista University and serves on the Planning and Zoning Board. He says his reasons for seeking appointment mirror those from his recent campaign.
Charles Hernandez, who works in wastewater maintenance at Tyson Turkey, points to his 30 years in Storm Lake and community involvement, including organizing the annual Back to School Block Party. Hernandez says he wants City Hall to reflect the diversity of the community and to inspire future leaders.
And Ricky Wimer, a retired property management executive and current president of the Storm Lake Kiwanis Beavers, emphasizes his decades of civic involvement across the country. Wimer says he brings experience managing large-scale housing operations and capital improvements, and pledges a positive, team-oriented approach.
The council will interview all four candidates today at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and will also be live streamed on the city’s website at stormlakeia.portal.civicclerk.com.
A second meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, when the council will discuss the applicants and potentially appoint one of the individuals to serve out the remainder of McKeon’s council term, says City Communications Coordinator Dana Larsen.
