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The Chisago City Council  declared a vacancy existed on the city council as the result of Mayor Bob Gustafson’s death.  With Acting Mayor Jeremy Dresel abstaining, the remaining three council members then voted last week to appoint Dresel as mayor of Chisago City through this year’s election cycle.

The remainder of the mayor’s term will be filled by special election on the November ballot. Gustafson’s term as mayor was due to expire at the end of 2026.

Two council seats will appear on the regular November general election ballot in Chisago City. Seats up for election this year are those of Jeremy Dresel and Marie Rivers. 

After Dresel was appointed mayor, Councilmember Craig Meyer moved to appoint a member of the city planning commission to temporarily fill Dresel’s now vacant council seat but the motion was not supported by Rivers and Dresel.

The filing period for city council terms is now open; it closes Aug. 13. Affidavits of candidacy are at the Chisago City offices.  

Gustafson served multiple terms as mayor of Chisago City, from 1989-1990, and from 2011 to 2024. In between his terms as mayor, Gustafson served on the Chisago County Board of Commissioners. 

The council acknowledged his passing “with great sadness and appreciation.” 

    

    

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