Rochester City Council Details Search for New Member

Residents interested in applying for Rochester City Councilmen Jeffery Matis' seat have until Jan. 4 to apply.

City Manager Jaymes Vettraino said the application will be available by the end of today on the city's website and also at . There is also an application attached to this article that can be downloaded and printed from your home computer.

Matis was elected to serve on the earlier this month. City Council received his official resignation at Monday night's meeting.

Council members on Monday night accepted Vettraino's recommendation on how to proceed with replacing Matis. The new council member will serve until the next election.

The last time the council had to replace a member was in late 2007, when David Katulic resigned. Councilman David Zemens was appointed to fill his post.

The council will begin to consider applicants for the vacancy as early as the Jan. 10 meeting, Vettraino said.

"We have a talented pool of people," said Mayor Pro Tem Stuart Bikson.

Vettraino said the application will request basic background information about the candidate as well as a cover letter describing their interests.

"They are welcome to submit any additional information they believe would assist City Council in making this decision," Vettraino said.