Council discusses steps to hire new city clerk

The City of Red Oak is moving forward with its search for a city clerk. At the Monday, Dec. 12 meeting, the council approved a job posting and media placement for the clerk’s position.
Longtime Red Oak City Clerk Mary Bolton announced her retirement last month. Her last day with the city is officially Dec. 31.
Interim City Administrator Al Vacanti informed the council there are several options for advertising the position.
“On the Iowa League of Municipalities, you can post that at zero cost because you are a member and I’m also trying to reach out to the Municipal Clerks Association within the state to do that, and then you can also do it with the local newspaper, plus online on the website,” Vacanti explained.
He added LinkedIn and Indeed are additional options but reminded the council the city clerk’s position is a “more local hire.”
Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius stated a letter of interest, resume and three references would be needed per applicant. The council agreed to have the application deadline date of Feb. 1.
Also discussed was the option of hiring a search firm to help find a city administrator. Longtime Red Oak City Administrator Brad Wright also submitted his retirement notice last month. His last official day with the city is also Dec. 31.
Council members Brian Bills and Scott Keith are to bring possible search firm bids to the Jan. 3 meeting.
In other business, the council:
• Removed Mary Bolton and Brad Wright from the ability to sign city contracts and checks and added Vacanti.
• Appointed and authorized Christie Vanderholm as the city representative to request onsite assistance and make purchases from Midwest Data of Iowa.
• Held a brief budget work session with Vacanti outlining the process for the next three months.