Yetzer resigns council seat, city seeks applicants

Waconia city council member Steve Yetzer has resigned his council seat effective June 30 leaving a vacancy that will be filled by appointment. The announcement and decision were made at the June 17 council meeting, and Yetzer was recognized for his service at the meeting.

Yetzer indicated he is departing his seat because of a property development project he is beginning work on downtown at Second and Olive streets that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest and make it awkward and uncomfortable for himself and the city.

He was selected for the council seat in a special election in 2022 to fill out the remaining term of the late Carl Pierson who resigned that year following an aggressive cancer diagnosis. That term expires at the end of 2024 with city elections slated for November, but most remaining council members indicated the desire to fill the expired seat now because of important issues the city is facing and to have a full five-seat council with a potential deciding vote on the issues.

Residents who are interested in the position may apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and responses to a list of prepared questions to the city of Waconia via email at careers@waconia.org. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, July 5. The letter of interest must include name, address, and a summary of background and experience. Qualifications include that the applicant must be 21 years of age, must be a resident of Waconia and must be a U.S. citizen.

Additional details on duties and responsibilities are available on the city website at waconia.org, or by calling 952-442-2184 with any questions.

Interviews with the city council will take place on July 10. The appointment and swearing in will occur at the July 15 council meeting.

Meanwhile, filing for city offices up for election this year – mayor and two council seats, opens July 30, and runs through Aug. 13.